August: Osage County Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dysfunctional family gathers after the patriarch offs himself, only to discover that everyone is awful and has secrets, leading to more yelling and repressed trauma surfacing like a geyser of resentment.

🍿 August: Osage County: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: A Family in Crisis

The film opens with Beverly Weston, a poet and alcoholic, hiring Johnna Monevata, a young Native American woman, as a caretaker for his wife, Violet, who is battling mouth cancer and addiction to painkillers. He expresses his despair over their dysfunctional relationship, hinting at his impending departure. Shortly after, Beverly disappears, triggering a family gathering at the Weston’s Oklahoma home.

The Daughters Return

Violet’s three daughters arrive: Barbara, the eldest, comes with her estranged husband Bill and teenage daughter Jean; Ivy, the middle daughter, has stayed close to home to care for her parents; and Karen, the youngest, arrives with her much older, and somewhat sleazy, fiancé, Steve. The family dynamic is immediately tense, revealing years of unresolved conflicts and resentment.

Funeral and Family Secrets

Beverly is found dead, having committed suicide. The funeral brings the family together, and old wounds are reopened during a tense post-funeral dinner. Violet, under the influence of painkillers, unleashes a torrent of verbal abuse, revealing hidden resentments and family secrets. Barbara takes control, attempting to manage her mother’s addiction and the chaotic family dynamic.

Hidden Relationships and Revelations

As the family grapples with Beverly’s death, hidden relationships and secrets emerge. Ivy reveals her love for her cousin, Little Charles. Steve makes unwanted advances towards Jean, leading to a confrontation and further fracturing the family. Mattie Fae’s harsh treatment of Little Charles leads to Charles leaving her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Violet Weston (Meryl Streep): The drug-addicted, cancer-stricken matriarch of the Weston family whose sharp tongue and manipulative behavior ignite family conflicts.
• Barbara Weston (Julia Roberts): The eldest daughter, struggling with her own failing marriage, who returns home and clashes with her mother while trying to maintain control.
• Ivy Weston (Julianne Nicholson): The middle daughter who remained in Osage County to care for her parents and yearns for a life beyond her familial obligations.
• Karen Weston (Juliette Lewis): The youngest daughter, arriving with her fiancé, who is seemingly oblivious to the deep-seated issues within her family.
• Mattie Fae Aiken (Margo Martindale): Violet’s sister, harboring her own resentments and secrets, who often belittles her son while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy.
• Little Charles Aiken (Benedict Cumberbatch): Mattie Fae’s sensitive and insecure son, constantly berated by his mother, who finds solace in music and his affection for his cousin Ivy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Violet: “My life is so terrible. Oh, God, don’t leave me here alone. I’ll die if you leave me here alone.” – Violet uses emotional manipulation to try and guilt Barbara into staying.
• Barbara: “Eat your fucking fish, bitch!” – Barbara shouts this at Violet during the chaotic and explosive post-funeral dinner.
• Barbara: “Thank God we can’t tell the future, we’d never get out of bed.” – Barbara says this expressing the relief that the family can’t foresee the troubles that lie ahead when tragedy strikes.
• Mattie Fae: “I’m not just your fat old aunt.” – Mattie Fae exclaims this to Barbara, asserting her worth beyond the family’s perception of her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,738,810
• Worldwide Gross: $74,188,937

💥 August: Osage County Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a family drama, but it delivered so much more. The raw emotion was intense and at times, uncomfortable to watch. Meryl Streep’s performance was captivating, even if her character was incredibly unlikeable. The scene at the dinner table after the funeral was explosive and felt all too real. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you think about your own family dynamics and secrets.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of ensemble dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in complex family dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “Those familiar with the play by Tracy Letts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug abuse”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wells wrangles his stellar cast adeptly; the performances are undeniably great, though the film struggles to escape its stage-bound origins. Streep dominates, but Roberts holds her own in the chaos.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A compelling adaptation if slightly overwritten, with Streep at her most volcanic. The familial discord is almost too much to bear, yet the top-notch acting keeps you engaged. The film’s dark humor occasionally cuts through the tension.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “A harrowing family drama, anchored by powerhouse performances. The film dives deep into the complexities of dysfunctional relationships. The film excels at capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of a family in crisis, where old wounds are constantly reopened.

Audience Reactions

Meryl Streep’s performance was a tour-de-force.: The acting was superb, especially from the lead actresses.

The film accurately portrays a deeply dysfunctional family and it reminds the viewers to call their families.: The movie’s portrayal of family dynamics felt authentic and relatable, even at its most extreme.

Overall Consensus: August: Osage County boasts phenomenal performances from its all-star cast, making it a compelling, if sometimes overwhelming, exploration of family dysfunction and buried secrets.

Awards

1. Hollywood Film Awards (Ensemble of the Year)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tracy Letts adapted his own play for the screenplay. He aimed to maintain the essence of the stage production while making it cinematic.”
• “Filming locations included Bartlesville, Oklahoma, chosen to represent the specific setting of Osage County accurately.”
• “To maintain the summer setting, the crew painted leaves green and added computer-generated leaves during post-production due to filming taking place in the fall.”

🖥️ How to Watch August: Osage County?

August: Osage County is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite providers. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed August: Osage County, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): A classic drama featuring intense marital conflict and sharp, cutting dialogue, mirroring the dysfunctional relationships in August: Osage County.
• Steel Magnolias (1989): Explores the bonds of sisterhood and female friendship in the face of tragedy, sharing a similar ensemble cast dynamic and Southern setting.
• Festen (The Celebration) (1998): A family gathering reveals shocking secrets and dysfunctions, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.
• The Savages (2007): Deals with complex family dynamics as two siblings grapple with caring for their aging and difficult father.
• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Examines the complexities of family relationships and the emotional turmoil of divorce, reflecting similar themes of familial breakdown.

🛒 August: Osage County Related Products

• August: Osage County (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and relive the powerful performances and intense family drama. Featuring bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews, this edition enhances the viewing experience.
• August: Osage County (Play Script): Read the original Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts and experience the story in its original form. Explore the intricate dialogue and character development that made the play a theatrical masterpiece. A fantastic choice for literature enthusiasts.
• I Survived August: Osage County T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the dark humor and intense family drama with this witty T-shirt. Made from soft, comfortable material, it’s perfect for casual wear and sparking conversations with fellow fans.
• August: Osage County Collector’s Edition Poster: A high-quality poster featuring the stunning cast. Printed on premium paper, this poster is a perfect addition to any movie lover’s collection, capturing the essence of the film’s emotional depth.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Hinnom, TX” – performed by Bon Iver

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

August Osage County Official Trailer #1 (2013) – Meryl Streep Movie

Get ready for a star-studded family drama with August Osage County! This official trailer gives you a sneak peek into the dysfunctional Weston family, their secrets, and the conflicts that erupt when they come together. Will Meryl Streep’s incredible performance as the matriarch steal the show? Click to find out!

Facts About Laura Ingalls Wilder

Did you know that the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder was a real person? This fascinating video delves into the true story behind the Little House on the Prairie books and the intriguing life of its author. Discover the historical events and personal experiences that shaped the iconic character we’ve come to love!

Meryl Streep: The Inspiration For Her Polish Accent In “Sophie’s Choice” – UMass Lowell (2:00)

Curious about how Meryl Streep mastered her captivating Polish accent in ‘Sophie’s Choice’? In this exclusive video, she reveals her secret! Join her as she shares the inspiration and techniques behind her remarkable performance, giving you a glimpse into the creative process of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses.

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