Nebraska Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old guy thinks he’s rich, son humors him on a road trip, everyone is a little bit sad.

🍿 Nebraska: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Million-Dollar Letter

Woody Grant, an aging and increasingly senile man living in Billings, Montana, receives a sweepstakes letter claiming he’s won $1 million. Despite his family’s insistence that it’s a scam, Woody is determined to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, to collect his prize. His younger son, David, frustrated but also wanting to connect with his father, decides to accompany him on the long journey.

Hawthorne, Nebraska

En route to Lincoln, David and Woody stop in Woody’s hometown of Hawthorne, Nebraska. The news of Woody’s supposed winnings spreads quickly, drawing the attention of his relatives and old acquaintances. This leads to a series of awkward and often humorous encounters as everyone vies for a piece of the perceived fortune. David begins to learn more about his father’s past, including his relationships and history within the small town.

Family Reunion

Woody’s wife, Kate, and older son, Ross, join them in Hawthorne, leading to a dysfunctional family reunion. Kate’s sharp wit and cynicism provide comedic relief as she navigates the greedy relatives and reveals surprising details about Woody’s past. David gains a deeper understanding of his parents’ complex relationship and the events that shaped his father’s life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Woody Grant (Bruce Dern): An aging and stubborn alcoholic who believes he’s won a million dollars and is determined to collect it.
• David Grant (Will Forte): Woody’s dutiful and patient son who takes him on a road trip to Nebraska to humor his delusion.
• Kate Grant (June Squibb): Woody’s outspoken and sharp-tongued wife who provides comedic relief and a dose of reality.
• Ross Grant (Bob Odenkirk): Woody’s successful news anchor son who is more cynical and less patient with his father’s antics.
• Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach): Woody’s former business partner who tries to take advantage of Woody’s supposed winnings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Woody Grant: “I wanna get my money.” – Woody’s persistent refrain, highlighting his single-minded determination and underlying hope.
• Kate Grant: “He’s a simple man. You know, he believes people.” – Kate’s blunt assessment of Woody, revealing her understanding of his naivete and vulnerability.
• David Grant: “He just believes what people tell him.” – David’s explanation about his father’s belief in winning the sweepstakes, showing a mix of exasperation and empathy.
• Kate Grant: “Look at that dumb bastard. He thinks he’s gonna be a millionaire.” – Kate’s cynical observation of Woody, encapsulating her acerbic humor and underlying affection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,654,912
• Worldwide Gross: $27,682,872

💥 Nebraska Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Nebraska.’ It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Bruce Dern’s portrayal of Woody is heartbreakingly real, and I was genuinely moved by Will Forte’s performance as his son. The black-and-white cinematography adds a layer of nostalgia and starkness that perfectly captures the film’s tone. There are so many quiet, powerful moments, like when they visit Woody’s old home, that really resonated with me. I walked away feeling like I’d spent time with real people and experienced a slice of their lives.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Alexander Payne’s other films (Sideways, About Schmidt, The Descendants)”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with dry humor”
  • “Audiences interested in stories about family dynamics and aging”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films with a unique visual style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Mature themes relating to aging and family dysfunction”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Payne’s ‘Nebraska’ is a beautifully understated film, offering a poignant look at family and aging. Dern delivers a career-defining performance, supported by Forte’s subtle turn. The black-and-white cinematography enhances the melancholic atmosphere, creating a memorable cinematic experience. While the pace is slow, the film’s emotional depth makes it worth the journey.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Nebraska is a quietly powerful film about fathers, sons, and the stories we tell ourselves. Bruce Dern is exceptional as the stubborn Woody, and Will Forte proves his dramatic chops. Payne’s direction is masterful, creating a world that feels both familiar and unique. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and genuine portrayal of human relationships.
• RogerEbert.com: “Alexander Payne’s Nebraska is a masterpiece of understated storytelling. Bruce Dern delivers a performance of a lifetime as a man chasing a phantom prize. Will Forte anchors the film with quiet empathy. Shot in stark black and white, Nebraska is a moving portrait of the American heartland and the bonds that tie families together, even when they seem frayed.

Audience Reactions

Bruce Dern’s performance is phenomenal; a career highlight!: Viewers praise the film’s authentic portrayal of family dynamics.

The black and white cinematography adds a layer of depth and emotion.: Many viewers find the movie heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: Nebraska is a critically acclaimed film praised for its poignant storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning black-and-white cinematography. It is a touching exploration of family relationships and aging in the American heartland.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alexander Payne insisted on shooting in black and white to reflect the starkness and isolation of the Great Plains, despite initial resistance from the studio.”
• “Many of the supporting actors were locals cast from the areas where filming took place, adding to the film’s authentic feel.”
• “The film opens with the 1960s Paramount widescreen logo, a nostalgic touch that sets the tone for the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nebraska?

Nebraska is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. You can also find physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nebraska, you might like these similar films:

• About Schmidt (2002): Shares the same director (Alexander Payne) and a similar tone of dry humor and poignant character study about aging and family.
• The Straight Story (1999): Shares the theme of an elderly man on a long journey to reconcile with family.
• Paris, Texas (1984): Shares themes of family, disconnection, identity, and shot in black and white with striking images of the American landscape.
• Nomadland (2020): A modern equivalent that explores themes of aging, economic hardship, and finding meaning in a desolate landscape.

🛒 Nebraska Related Products

• Nebraska (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray with special features including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. It’s the perfect collector’s item for fans of the movie and cinema in general.
• Nebraska: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Download the haunting and beautiful soundtrack composed by Mark Orton. The music perfectly captures the film’s tone and is a great way to relive the movie’s emotional moments.
• Vintage Nebraska Travel Poster: A retro-style travel poster inspired by the film’s setting, perfect for adding a touch of vintage Americana to any room. Available in various sizes and printed on high-quality paper.
• “I’m Going to Nebraska” T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic quote. Available in various sizes and colors, it’s a fun and subtle way to express your fandom.

🎧 Soundtrack

Nebraska features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Their Pie” – performed by Mark Orton
• “Nebraska Theme” – performed by Mark Orton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Best Scene in Nebraska Movie

Curious about one of the standout moments in Nebraska? This clip showcases a scene that captures the essence of the film’s poignant story and complex characters.

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