A Long Way Down Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Four suicidal strangers accidentally form a dysfunctional family pact to *not* jump off a building until Valentine’s Day, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and only mildly depressing events.

🍿 A Long Way Down: Detailed Plot Synopsis

New Year’s Eve Encounter

On New Year’s Eve in London, four strangers converge on the roof of a building notorious for suicides. Martin, a disgraced TV personality, seeks escape from his ruined career. Maureen, a single mother, feels overwhelmed by the challenges of caring for her disabled son. Jess, a young woman with a troubled past, struggles with heartbreak and loss. JJ, an American, grapples with his own personal failures.

The Pact

Finding themselves together in this desperate situation, the four form an unlikely bond. They make a pact to postpone their suicides until Valentine’s Day, agreeing to support each other through the intervening weeks. This decision thrusts them into the public eye, as their story captures media attention and forces them to confront their individual issues.

Media Circus and Personal Struggles

The group navigates the media frenzy surrounding their story, facing scrutiny and unwanted attention. Each character deals with personal challenges: Martin confronts his past mistakes, Maureen seeks better care for her son, Jess battles her inner demons, and JJ grapples with his own deceptions. Their relationships are tested as secrets are revealed and tensions rise.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Martin (Pierce Brosnan): A disgraced former TV host seeking redemption after a career-ending scandal.
• Maureen (Toni Collette): A lonely and overwhelmed single mother dedicated to caring for her disabled adult son.
• Jess (Imogen Poots): A troubled young woman grappling with heartbreak and the disappearance of her sister.
• JJ (Aaron Paul): An American musician struggling with his past failures and a fabricated terminal illness.
• Penny (Rosamund Pike): Martin’s former TV show co-host who is opportunistic and exploitative of their situation.
• Chris (Sam Neill): Jess’s strained relationship is her politician father, who is a politician.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• JJ: “I don’t mind the pain. It’s the hope that kills me.” – JJ expresses his deep-seated despair and disillusionment with life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,347
• Worldwide Gross: $7,257,942

💥 A Long Way Down Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie hoping for something quirky and maybe a little dark, and while it had moments, it just didn’t quite land for me. The premise is interesting, but the execution felt a bit forced. I did appreciate Toni Collette’s performance; she brought a realness to her character that resonated with me. There was one scene in the hospital with her son that actually got to me, but overall the movie didn’t leave a lasting impression.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Nick Hornby’s novels”
  • “Viewers interested in dark comedies with dramatic elements”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts”
  • “People seeking movies that explore mental health themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide themes”
  • “Depression”
  • “Language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Discussion of sexual relationships with a minor”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “While the cast tries their best, the film struggles to balance its dark themes with light comedy, resulting in a tonally inconsistent and ultimately forgettable experience. Brosnan and Collette deliver solid performances, but the script fails to provide them with enough substance.
• Empire: “A Long Way Down has its moments, particularly when exploring the individual struggles of its characters. However, the film often veers into overly sentimental territory, diminishing the impact of its more poignant scenes. Ultimately, it’s a watchable but flawed adaptation of Hornby’s novel.
• Variety: “Despite a talented cast, ‘A Long Way Down’ fails to capture the depth and nuance of Nick Hornby’s novel. The film’s attempts at dark humor often fall flat, and the characters’ motivations feel underdeveloped, leaving the audience emotionally detached.

Audience Reactions

Toni Collette’s performance as the struggling mother was the most compelling and emotionally resonant part of the movie.: Viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to address serious issues with a blend of humor and heart, even if the execution was flawed.

The film had some fun moments, but the dark comedy didn’t always land.: Many found the film to be predictable and cheesy.

Overall Consensus: A Long Way Down is a mixed bag, with moments of genuine emotion and humor overshadowed by tonal inconsistencies and a somewhat predictable plot. While the cast is talented, the film ultimately fails to fully realize its potential.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Johnny Depp bought the movie rights to Nick Hornby’s novel before its initial release, but the film adaptation took several years to materialize with a different cast and director.”
• “The film explores the complexities of depression and suicide with a blend of dark humor and emotional depth, attempting to strike a balance between comedy and drama, which received mixed reviews.”
• “While the movie is set in London, some filming took place in Mallorca, Spain, showcasing the attempt to escape their problems through a change of scenery.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Long Way Down?

A Long Way Down is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be found at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Long Way Down, you might like these similar films:

• About a Boy (2002): Another adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, exploring unconventional relationships and personal growth with a touch of humor and pathos.
• The Breakfast Club (1985): A group of disparate individuals bond over shared experiences and emotional vulnerabilities during a pivotal moment in their lives.
• This is Where I Leave You (2014): A dysfunctional family is forced to confront their issues when they gather for their father’s funeral, combining comedy with emotional family drama.

🛒 A Long Way Down Related Products

• A Long Way Down (Novel): Experience the original story by Nick Hornby that inspired the film. A witty and poignant exploration of depression, friendship, and finding hope in unexpected places.
• A Long Way Down Movie Poster: Decorate your space with the official movie poster. Featuring the main cast and tagline. This poster is a great way to show your appreciation for this heartwarming drama.
• Mindfulness Colouring Book: It has been proven that colouring and mindfulness can help to relax and unwind, to encourage focus and allow your creative side to come to the fore.
• Aaron Paul Signed Breaking Bad Poster: Display your appreciation for actor Aaron Paul’s most famous television role.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Tragedy” – performed by Bee Gees
• “Original Score Selections” – performed by Dario Marianelli

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

there is so much pain | sad multifandom

Ever feel like watching a montage of super-sad movie moments? This video features clips from ‘A Long Way Down’ alongside other heavy hitters, all set to a super emotional vibe. If you are in the mood for feels, check it out!

Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds – So You Haven’t Read

Did you know there’s a novel called ‘Long Way Down’ that explores similar themes of revenge as the movie? This video gives you the lowdown on the book, so you can check it out if you were moved by the movie’s characters and plot.

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