Director: James Gray
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Chastain, Jeremy Strong, Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb
Running Time: 115 minutes
Synopsis: It's 1980 in Queens, New York. Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) enters Grade 6 with a natural talent for sketching and a special relationship with his kind grandfather Aaron (Anthony Hopkins). Paul's mother Esther (Anne Hathaway) is on the school PTA, emboldening his less than stellar behaviour, although his father Irving (Jeremy Strong), a plumber, can resort to severe punishments. After befriending impoverished black classmate Johnny (Jaylin Webb), Paul's life changes when his parents transfer him to a private school.
What Works Well: Inspired by the childhood memories of director and writer James Gray, this coming-of-age drama benefits from a warts-and-all approach. Young Paul Graff, brought to life by an engaging Banks Repeta, is often a disobedient rascal both at home and at school, moving the drama away from dreamy nostalgia and towards ragged reality. Themes of racism and privilege (black classmate Johnny gets the brunt of any punishments), antisemitism (the family is Jewish), politics (Reagan is about to be elected President, and this family therefore believes Armageddon will be unleashed), and imaginative escapades decorate the passage to adolescence. Anthony Hopkins as the wise old grandpa delivers the warmest adult performance.
What Does Not Work As Well:
The fragmented plot happily settles in episodic territory where plenty of details (including the involvement of the Trump family at Paul's private school) ultimately add little value.
Key Quote:
Grandpa Aaron, to Paul: I've learned over the years, those bastards who say all that crap and garbage to your face will then say the same stuff behind your back.
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