USA | 95 MINUTES | English |
MEADOWLAND
Drama, Female Director(s), NY Director(s)
Sarah (Olivia Wilde) and Phil’s (Luke Wilson) son goes missing, shattering their life together. As months pass with little information, they each struggle in their own way to cope. Phil’s more traditional route leads to an unexpected friendship, but also a precarious disconnect with the responsibilities of his job as a city cop. Teacher Sarah goes even farther overboard, struggling to keep herself in check beside the students, parents, family members, and officials that interrupt her search for answers. Cinematographer Reed Morano takes her first turn in the director’s chair with this masterfully crafted contemplation on a relationship strained to the breaking point. With virtuosity reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt, she navigates the strange and bitter moments that follow two people who only want to grieve. Wilde and Wilson capture unraveling emotions with remarkable power and persistence, alongside a cadre of exceptional supporting actors in Kevin Corrigan, John Leguizamo, Elisabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, Juno Temple, and Merritt Wever. —Arthur Ryel-Lindsey