All Good Things Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich guy with daddy issues can’t decide between opening a health food store and terrorizing his wife, so he chooses…both!

🍿 All Good Things: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Romance and Escape to Vermont

David Marks, the eldest son of a powerful New York real estate mogul, Sanford Marks, seeks to escape his family’s expectations and troubled past. He meets Katie McCarthy, a working-class tenant, and they fall in love. Despite his father’s disapproval, they move to Vermont to open a health food store, hoping to build a simpler life away from the family’s influence. Their Vermont idyll is short-lived. Financial pressures and Sanford’s persistent influence eventually lure David and Katie back to New York City, where David reluctantly joins the family business. This decision marks a turning point in their relationship and sets the stage for increasing tension and instability.

The Family Business and a Crumbling Marriage

Back in New York, David becomes immersed in the darker aspects of the Marks family’s real estate empire, managing properties filled with illicit activities. This work changes him, causing him to become distant and controlling. Katie, initially supportive, grows increasingly isolated and dissatisfied. Their marriage begins to unravel as Katie expresses her desire to start a family, a desire David vehemently rejects, stemming from witnessing his mother’s suicide as a child. The couple’s dreams clash, leading to conflicts, secrets, and ultimately, Katie’s decision to pursue medical school, further widening the gap between them.

Disappearance and Lingering Suspicions

As Katie gets closer to uncovering truths about the Marks family’s dealings and the source of their wealth, she suddenly disappears. David becomes the prime suspect, but the lack of evidence and the family’s influence prevent any charges from being filed. The case remains unsolved, casting a shadow over David’s life and perpetuating the mystery surrounding Katie’s fate. The narrative jumps forward in time, depicting David living a reclusive life, sometimes cross-dressing as a woman, in Galveston, Texas. He develops an odd friendship with Malvern Bump, an elderly neighbor, which takes a dark turn and eventually reignites interest in Katie’s long-dormant disappearance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Marks (Ryan Gosling): A troubled real estate heir haunted by his past, suspected of his wife’s disappearance.
• Katie Marks (Kirsten Dunst): David’s wife, who dreams of a simple life but finds herself in a deteriorating marriage and disappears mysteriously.
• Sanford Marks (Frank Langella): The powerful and controlling father of David, who influences his son’s life and business decisions.
• Deborah Lehrman (Lily Rabe): David’s longtime friend and writer, who is involved in unraveling the truth.
• Malvern Bump (Philip Baker Hall): An elderly friend of David’s in Galveston, whose death leads to further scrutiny.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Katie Marks: “My father always said to only regret the things you didn’t do not the things you did. But I had an abortion and I don’t know if that’s something I did or didn’t do.” – Katie reflects on her choices and the complexities of regret, highlighting the moral ambiguity she faces.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $582,024
• Worldwide Gross: $1,754,389

💥 All Good Things Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘All Good Things’ messed me up! I went in expecting a simple crime thriller, but it was so much more. The way Ryan Gosling portrayed David was chilling – you could feel something was seriously off with him. And Kirsten Dunst? She broke my heart! That scene at the lake house, when you realize how trapped she is, gave me chills. Definitely a movie that sticks with you!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime stories”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances, particularly by Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst”
  • “Audiences familiar with the Robert Durst case”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of domestic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief scenes of gore and dismemberment”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Gosling and Dunst deliver powerful performances in this unsettling crime drama, but the film struggles to maintain tension throughout its runtime. Jarecki masterfully evokes the chilling atmosphere of a real-life mystery, leaving viewers pondering the dark depths of human nature.
• Rolling Stone: “All Good Things is a captivating exploration of obsession and madness, fueled by Gosling’s intense portrayal of a man haunted by his past. While the plot occasionally loses focus, the film’s performances and haunting visuals linger long after the credits roll.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Kirsten Dunst shines as the vulnerable Katie, showcasing her range in this dark and disturbing drama. While the film’s pacing can be uneven, the stellar performances and intriguing mystery make it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

Ryan Gosling’s performance as the disturbed David Marks was mesmerizing.: Viewers praised the strong performances, particularly from Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, who brought depth and complexity to their roles.

The film’s haunting atmosphere and unsettling mystery kept me on the edge of my seat.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of dark themes and its ability to create a sense of unease and suspense.

Overall Consensus: All Good Things is a well-acted but unevenly paced crime drama that explores the dark side of wealth and obsession. While the film may not provide definitive answers, its haunting atmosphere and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “All Good Things is inspired by the life of Robert Durst, a real estate heir suspected in the disappearance of his wife, as well as other murders.”
• “Ryan Gosling reportedly sent Kirsten Dunst flowers after filming a particularly violent scene where he had to yank her hair, feeling visibly bothered by the action.”
• “Director Andrew Jarecki is also known for his documentary ‘Capturing the Friedmans,’ which similarly deals with dark family secrets and true crime.”

🖥️ How to Watch All Good Things?

As of October 2024, ‘All Good Things’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local streaming services for more information.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All Good Things, you might like these similar films:

• Zodiac (2007): Both films explore real-life unsolved mysteries and the obsession surrounding them.
• Capturing the Friedmans (2003): Directed by Andrew Jarecki, explores dark family secrets and true crime.
• Gone Girl (2014): Features a marriage with dark secrets and a missing spouse, creating a suspenseful mystery.

🛒 All Good Things Related Products

• Capturing the Friedmans (DVD): Director Andrew Jarecki’s Oscar-nominated documentary exploring another disturbing true crime case; a great companion to the movie.
• Robert Durst: A Deadly Game – Limited Edition Blu-ray: This limited edition includes exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and detailed examination into Durst’s life and the cases surrounding him
• 1970s New York City Photography Book: A visual journey back in time, capturing the grit and glamour of the 1970s New York depicted in the film. Features iconic landmarks, street scenes, and cultural moments.
• Ryan Gosling Movie Poster Collection: A collection of posters featuring Ryan Gosling from his most memorable roles, including All Good Things. Perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your movie memorabilia collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Daddy Don’t Live In That New York City No More” – performed by Steely Dan
• “Boogie Oogie Oogie” – performed by A Taste of Honey

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How They Were Caught: Robert Durst

Ever wondered how they *really* caught Robert Durst? This video breaks down the incredible story, including that shocking unintentional confession during the filming of ‘The Jinx’. Seriously chilling!

✨ Rate