Rating: ««« out of ««««

Running Time: 107 minutes

This film will be released in select theaters Sept. 18 and will be available to rent at home on most platforms Nov. 17.

Many refer to the 1980s as a decade of greed. The term Yuppie was coined as a signifier of a person (often a businessman) living a life of undeserved excess. Despite the derogatory terminology, many envied the wealth and power of the upper classes. Set during this era, the new drama The Nest follows one such family seemingly living the good life. However, the story soon introduces strife within the clan and reveals the truth behind their fortune and the games being played so they can keep their heads above water.

This isn’t an enjoyable tale to watch, but it is a well-performed feature that displays one household’s inevitable downward spiral.

Rory (Jude Law) is a fast-talking New York-based commodities broker living in the countryside. One day, he tells his wife Allison (Carrie Coon) that he has been given an incredible employment opportunity at his old London-based firm, insisting that they pack up and leave the U.S. for England. She initially resists leaving, but ultimately agrees to relocating. The entire family, including children Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell) and Samantha (Oona Roche) quickly find themselves living at an impressive but isolated manor in Surrey.

Rory spends lavishly, purchasing a horse and building a stable to help his wife with her career. However, their spacious new abode quickly begins having a negative effect on the family. The kids don’t like the house. The money begins to run dry and Allison starts resenting her husband for taking them far away.

Viewers should be aware that this movie does not feature the most likable of protagonists. While Rory is charming and upbeat on the surface, deep down Rory is terrible. He twists the arm of his family to join him abroad and puts on airs at work while constantly trying to broker deals that will keep him solvent for another few months. Naturally, his gift of gab only gets him so far and the family finds themselves sinking further and further into the mire.

Although Allison is shown in a more sympathetic light, she isn’t a whole lot better, ultimately taking part in the charade (then complaining about it afterwards) and focusing most of her personal attention on her horse instead of her kids.

It’s a slow and ugly descent, but it does provide a lot for the actors to feast on. As Rory’s deals go south and his façade breaks down, it allows co-star Law to plumb the depths of his character’s flaws. The same goes for Carrie Coon as Allison becomes increasingly snarky, eventually leading to public arguments including a wince-inducing exchange at a business dinner. By this point in the story, the couple can barely stand to be in the same room with one another.

Thankfully, the movie does give viewers the opportunity to get inside their heads and understand the reasons for living beyond their means. Rory does appear to be angry and ashamed by his modest background. And since everyone else seems to be keeping up false appearances, Rory sees no reason why he shouldn’t do the same and enjoy great fortune and wealth.

So, should you ever go house hunting, remember that purchasing a home and living a lifestyle that you can’t afford may cause your entire world to crumble. It’s something of an obvious moral, but it certainly is true for many who spent their way through the overly extravagant ‘80s. In the end, The Nest may not be an upbeat effort and it doesn’t necessarily tell you anything you don’t already know about its selfish characters, but the solid, convincing portrayals of some unpleasant people make this an intriguing drama.

VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun