Nobel Son Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Nobel Prize winner’s son gets kidnapped, but it turns out he’s just trying to get out of writing his thesis on cannibalism, and also maybe get some money.

🍿 Nobel Son: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Michaelsons

Barkley Michaelson, a PhD student struggling with his thesis on cannibalism, lives in the shadow of his overbearing and philandering father, Eli, a chemistry professor. Eli’s wife, Sarah, is a forensic psychiatrist who tolerates Eli’s behavior. The film opens as Eli is about to receive the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, a moment that promises to exacerbate existing family tensions.

The Kidnapping

On the eve of Eli’s departure for Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize, Barkley is kidnapped. The kidnapper demands a ransom of $2 million, the exact amount of the Nobel Prize money. Eli, initially dismissing the kidnapping as a prank, soon realizes the gravity of the situation when a gruesome message arrives.

Twists and Betrayals

As the investigation unfolds, unexpected alliances and hidden motives are revealed. The film delves into the complex relationships within the Michaelson family and the various individuals connected to them, including a mysterious poet named City Hall and a quirky neighbor. The initial premise of a straightforward kidnapping unravels into a web of deceit, lust, and revenge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eli Michaelson (Alan Rickman): The arrogant and philandering chemistry professor who wins the Nobel Prize, triggering a series of chaotic events.
• Barkley Michaelson (Bryan Greenberg): Eli’s son, a PhD student struggling with his thesis and resentful of his father, who becomes entangled in a kidnapping plot.
• Sarah Michaelson (Mary Steenburgen): Eli’s long-suffering wife and a forensic psychiatrist who is forced to confront her husband’s actions.
• Thaddeus James (Shawn Hatosy): The mastermind behind Barkley’s kidnapping, seeking revenge on Eli for past wrongs.
• Max Mariner (Bill Pullman): A detective investigating the kidnapping and harboring feelings for Sarah.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eli Michaelson: “If anyone in this room ever doubted my intellectual superiority, or your get fortune to be under my incomparable tutelage, you can now formally kiss my fine white ass.” – Eli says this arrogant statement after winning the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $540,382
• Worldwide Gross: $550,782

💥 Nobel Son Reviews

Personal Review

I found Nobel Son to be a mixed bag. Alan Rickman is fantastic as the arrogant professor, but the plot twists felt a bit forced and confusing. The soundtrack was a distraction in many places, taking away from the tension it should have been building. Ultimately, I enjoyed some aspects of it, especially the performances, but it didn’t quite come together as a cohesive and engaging film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Alan Rickman”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with unexpected twists”
  • “Those who appreciate dark humor and dysfunctional family stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Themes of kidnapping and revenge”

Professional Reviews

• IONCINEMA.com: “While Nobel Son isn’t expected to be serious Oscar contention, it’s got a certain sub-par quality to it, that feels like the movie was cobbled together from bits and pieces of other movies rather than standing on it’s own.
• Tribeca Film Festival Review: “A roller coaster thriller that keeps you guessing Great performances from Alan Rickman, Mary Steenburgen, Bill Pullman, Danny DeVito, Shawn Hatosy, Bryan Greenberg and Eliza Dushku Writers Miller and Savin have us constantly off balance and Miller’s direction is reminiscent of early Guy Ritchie.
• N/A: “This movie demonstrates everything that’s wrong with Hollywood. the execution. filled to the brim with myriad plot holes, implausible situations and dialog, lame humor and laughable attempts at poignancy clichéd sound effects, unrelated trendy music and an array of un-called-for camera tricks and ‘cool’ editing.

Audience Reactions

The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end.: Many viewers appreciated the dark humor and unexpected turns the movie takes.

Rickman’s performance is deliciously flawed and hilariously arrogant.: Alan Rickman and Danny DeVito received praise for their over-the-top performances.

Overall Consensus: Nobel Son is a polarizing film with some finding it to be a clever and entertaining dark comedy, while others see it as convoluted and poorly executed.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mary Steenburgen cited her admiration for Alan Rickman as a major factor in her decision to join the cast, eager to work alongside him.”
• “Director Randall Miller also served as writer, producer, and editor for the film, showcasing his extensive involvement in the project.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nobel Son?

Nobel Son is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Some services may offer the film as part of a subscription, while others require a one-time transaction.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nobel Son, you might like these similar films:

• Bottle Shock (2008): Also directed by Randall Miller and starring Alan Rickman and Eliza Dushku, offering a similar blend of dark humor and quirky characters.
• The Matador (2005): Shares a similar dark comedic tone with a focus on morally ambiguous characters in unusual circumstances.
• Suicide Kings (1997): Involves a kidnapping plot with twists and turns, focusing on dark humor and complex character relationships.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern equivalent that features a complex mystery with a quirky ensemble cast and dark humor.

🛒 Nobel Son Related Products

• The Chemistry Nobel: The Story of the Greatest Prize in Science: Delve deeper into the real-world stories of Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry with this compelling book. Understand the science and the drama behind the awards.
• The Complete Harry Potter Film Collection [Blu-ray]: Relive Alan Rickman’s incredible performances in the Harry Potter series, showcasing his range and talent.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Harry Potter – Severus Snape: A collectible figure of the character Severus Snape. Makes a nice display piece on a bookshelf.
• Breaking Bad: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Like Nobel Son, Breaking Bad explores the dark side of intellect and morality. A chemistry teacher turns to crime. Explore moral ambiguity and clever plotting in this highly acclaimed series.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Roboslut” – performed by The Crystal Method

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ALAN RICKMAN NOBEL SON ANS INTERVIEW

Want to hear Alan Rickman discuss his role in Nobel Son? He dives into the racy scenes and even talks about his next role as a caterpillar in Alice In Wonderland. I found his insights into the character Eli very compelling.

The Sexy Eliza Dushku

Ever wonder what Eliza Dushku brought to Nobel Son? This montage shows off some of her standout scenes and highlights her presence in the film. It’s a short watch, but I think it shows her range!

EXCLUSIVE: Alan Rickman And Rima Horton Leave “Nobel Son” Premiere.

Curious about the premiere of Nobel Son? This short clip gives you a peek at Alan Rickman and his wife leaving the event. It’s always neat to see actors in a real-life setting, right?

✨ Rate