Nebraska (2013) Review

4.5/5

This is an incredibly charming and entirely worthwhile film that explores aging, family, communication, and location in an honest and subtle way that keeps you captivated and in love. The strength of this film lays in the characters, all of whom you grow to love or love to hate.
It is a true showcase for Bruce Dern, who gives us one of the year's best performances, and June Squibb, his sarcastic wife that never fails to steal a scene. Will Forte and Bob Odenkirk are believable in their portrayal of two sons unsure of their family's future, with most of the dramatic heft falling on Forte. Stacy Keach is a wonder as the antagonist, who can make your skin crawl with his eyes alone.
The script is an absolute blast and is refreshingly simplistic in its story. You know these characters, you've had dinner with them, you've tried to love them and sometimes you have. The comedy is funny, and the drama is palpable. The film bounces from scene to scene with the weight of a feather, and we take a journey as the audience that is memorable and exciting.
The cinematography is, in short, stunning. Capturing the vast landscape of the midwest United States in a high-contrast black and white while paying close attention to the characters and their emotions, this is the kind of film that looks as good as it sounds as good as it feels. Alexander Payne has given us a film as good as, if not better than, his 2004 feature Sideways.
Trust me when I tell you that this is a trip you will want to take, perhaps more than once. It is an incredibly nuanced and layered film that will linger long after the final, beautiful shot. I was impressed by this movie, and look very forward to experiencing it again. I have no doubt that its spell can be cast more than once to the same, wonderful effect.