AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
August: Osage County is a dark comedy/drama boasting a stellar cast. Meryl Streep plays dysfunctional Violet Weston, a lady diagnosed with mouth cancer who is heavily dependent on drugs.
When her alcoholic husband Beverly (Sam Shephard) suicides, the family reunites, becoming the catalyst to a family meltdown after years of unresolved issues resurface.
Family conflicts are infinite with entangling sub-plots and temperaments igniting, providing laughter as the screaming, swearing and fighting escalate. The story moves slowly, obviously written for the stage and resounding themes are the importance of family values and honour.
August: Osage County is performance-driven with Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis and Julianne Nicholson outstanding as the daughters. Streep is incredibly real as Violet Weston, a role which should secure her an Oscar nomination. (MM)
*** 1/2
