The Dinner
Director: Oren Moverman
Actors: Michael Chernus, Taylor Rae Almonte-Roman, Steve Coogan
PlotTwo brothers, Stan and Paul, and their wives, Katelyn and Claire, meet at an upscale restaurant for dinner. Stan is a prominent politician running for governor, while Paul is a former history teacher struggling with mental health issues. The purpose of the dinner is to discuss a troubling incident involving their teenage sons, Michael and Rick. The boys were involved in a violent act that was recorded on video, threatening their futures and family reputations. As the night unfolds, tensions rise, and buried resentments come to the surface, revealing the complex dynamics between the family members.
During the course of the dinner, the couples negotiate how to handle the potentially devastating consequences of their sons' actions. Each adult brings their own moral compass and personal stakes to the discussion, resulting in heated arguments and ethical dilemmas. Flashbacks provide insights into past interactions and decisions that have led to this critical moment. The evening becomes a battleground of conflicting values, secrets, and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. Through layers of dialogue and confrontation, the characters grapple with their responsibilities and the impact of their choices on their family's future.
Writers: Herman Koch, Oren Moverman
Release Date: 18 May 2017
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
A well-scripted and well-acted film with sensational performances, but its narrative whiplash and lack of clear resolution ultimately undermine its success.
Read our review of The Dinner Blu-ray to find out more