The Nest Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man lies about job, drags family to a creepy mansion, and then everyone has a bad time because money is tight, kinda like real life but with worse lighting.

🍿 The Nest: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: A Comfortable American Life

The film introduces Rory O’Hara, an ambitious entrepreneur, his wife Allison, an American horse trainer, and their two children, Samantha and Ben, living a seemingly idyllic life in suburban America. Rory thrives as a commodities trader, while Allison enjoys her passion for horses, creating a comfortable and stable environment for their family.

The Abrupt Move to England

Rory announces a significant change: a move back to his native England for new business opportunities. Allison is hesitant, reluctant to abandon their established life and the security they’ve built. Despite her reservations, Rory’s persuasive nature and promises of a better future convince the family to relocate.

A Decaying Manor and Mounting Tensions

The family arrives in England and settles into a sprawling, antiquated manor house, a stark contrast to their modern American home. The house quickly becomes a symbol of Rory’s overreaching ambition and the growing strain on the family. Financial pressures mount as Rory’s business ventures falter, and the family struggles to adapt to their new, isolating environment. Allison feels increasingly alienated.

Cracks in the Facade

As Rory’s business dealings become more desperate, his lies and financial missteps begin to unravel. Allison discovers the extent of their financial precariousness and Rory’s dishonesty. The children also suffer, with Samantha rebelling and Ben struggling to adjust, adding to the overall sense of unease and disintegration.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rory O’Hara (Jude Law): An ambitious entrepreneur who moves his family to England in pursuit of new business opportunities, often stretching the truth and finances.
• Allison O’Hara (Carrie Coon): Rory’s American wife and a horse trainer who reluctantly follows her husband’s ambitions, struggling to adapt to their new life and facing the consequences of his actions.
• Sam O’Hara (Oona Roche): The teenage daughter who rebels against the family’s move and changing circumstances, acting out in response to their parents’ struggles.
• Ben O’Hara (Charlie Shotwell): The younger son who quietly suffers as the family dynamic unravels in their isolated English manor.
• Margy (Tanya Allen): A friend of Allison’s.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Taxi Driver: “That’s the bare minimum mate. Don’t pat yourself on the back for that.” – The taxi driver responds after Rory boasts about providing for his family, highlighting Rory’s shallow understanding of fatherhood.
• Rory O’Hara: “Yeah, I’m the best. I keep a roof over their head, I give them the best of everything. and I’ve never laid a hand in them, never would.” – Rory’s deluded perception of himself as a good father, based on material provisions rather than emotional connection.
• Rory O’Hara: “I pretend to be rich.” – Rory makes a confession to the taxicab driver, which may be his only moment of clarity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14 Million
• Domestic Gross: $137,886
• Worldwide Gross: $2,122,682

💥 The Nest Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn into this movie! The atmosphere was so thick with tension, I could practically feel it. Jude Law was so good at playing a charming jerk, and Carrie Coon absolutely killed it as the wife pushed to her limit. The scene at the dinner party where she calls him out was incredible, and I actually gasped out loud when they dug up the horse. It’s a slow movie, but it really gets under your skin. The ending might be divisive, but it made me think about the compromises we make in relationships.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who appreciate slow-burn narratives”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring family dynamics and social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Depiction of marital conflict”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Durkin masterfully captures the suffocating atmosphere of a family crumbling under the weight of ambition and lies. Jude Law delivers a captivating performance as the charismatic but deeply flawed Rory, while Carrie Coon shines as the resilient Allison. ‘The Nest’ is a chilling portrait of domestic despair.
• Variety: “A slow-burn character study that delves into the complexities of marriage and the corrosive effects of greed. While the pacing may test some viewers, the film’s haunting visuals and powerful performances make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. Carrie Coon is a standout, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a woman struggling to find her place.
• IndieWire: “Sean Durkin’s ‘The Nest’ is a masterclass in understated tension. The film subtly explores the disintegration of a family as they navigate a new life in a foreign land. Jude Law and Carrie Coon are phenomenal, bringing depth and vulnerability to their roles. This is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Carrie Coon’s performance was outstanding, portraying a relatable and complex character struggling with her husband’s choices.: Viewers consistently praised the acting, particularly Jude Law and Carrie Coon, for their nuanced portrayals of a couple facing marital and financial difficulties.

The film’s atmosphere and visual style were highly appreciated for creating a sense of unease and tension.: Many admired the film’s ability to evoke a sense of dread and discomfort through its cinematography and set design, enhancing the psychological drama.

Overall Consensus: A slow-burning psychological drama elevated by strong performances and a haunting atmosphere, though its pacing and ambiguous ending may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jude Law initially disliked his character, Rory, upon first reading the script, finding him difficult to connect with.”
• “The film is set in the 1980s, and the soundtrack features prominent British New Wave music from bands like The Cure and Psychedelic Furs to establish the era.”
• “Director Sean Durkin’s first feature film since the excellent and thought-provoking MARCY MARTHA MAY MARLENE in 2011.”
• “Filming took place in Canada.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Nest?

As of October 2024, ‘The Nest’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as services may vary by region. You might also find it on demand through your cable provider.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Nest, you might like these similar films:

• Revolutionary Road (2008): Explores the disintegration of a marriage due to unfulfilled dreams and societal expectations in a different era.
• The Ice Storm (1997): Captures the disillusionment and moral ambiguity of suburban life in the 1970s, similar to the decaying family dynamic in ‘The Nest’.
• American Psycho (2000): Examines the dangers of wealth and ambition.
• You Were Never Really Here (2017): Also directed by Sean Durkin. Shares Durkin’s sense of uneasiness with the way forward being unpredictable but compelling

🛒 The Nest Related Products

• Jude Law Movie Collection (5-Disc DVD Set): Includes some of Jude Law’s most celebrated performances, allowing fans to delve deeper into his filmography and appreciate his acting range.
• 1980s Nostalgia Music Playlist (Digital Download): A curated playlist of iconic 80s tracks, capturing the era’s sounds featured in ‘The Nest’. Experience the music that defined the film’s setting and atmosphere.
• English Country Manor House Model Kit: A detailed model kit to build your own replica of an English country manor. Perfect for hobbyists and fans of architectural history. Model represents the main film setting.
• Carrie Coon Autographed Photo Print (Limited Edition): A high-quality print of Carrie Coon, autographed, and numbered. Own a piece of movie history. Ideal gift for fans

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Drone Beat” – performed by Richard Reed Parry, Parker Shper, Stuart Bogie, Performed by the Quiet Club Ensemble
• “A Forest” – performed by The Cure
• “Love My Way” – performed by The Psychedelic Furs

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Nest (2020) Hollywood Movie Explained In Hindi

Struggling to fully grasp ‘The Nest’? This video breaks down the entire movie in Hindi! I found it super helpful in understanding some of the nuances I missed the first time around.

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