Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A precocious kid annoyingly quests for a lock to a random key after his dad dies in 9/11, but really it’s just about him learning to stop being a little jerk.

🍿 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Oskar’s Loss and Discovery

Oskar Schell, a young boy grappling with the death of his father in the 9/11 attacks, discovers a mysterious key hidden in his father’s closet. He believes it’s a clue, a final adventure left by his dad. Determined to solve the mystery, Oskar embarks on a city-wide quest to find the lock that the key fits.

The Quest Begins

Oskar meticulously researches every person named ‘Black’ in the New York City phone book, convinced that one of them holds the answer to the key’s purpose. His journey leads him through diverse encounters, each interaction offering a glimpse into the lives of others touched by loss and resilience. He faces his fears and anxieties as he navigates the city.

The Silent Companion

Oskar finds an unlikely ally in his grandmother’s renter, a man who doesn’t speak due to the trauma of his past in World War II. This ‘Renter’ accompanies Oskar on his quest, offering silent support and companionship. Their bond deepens, and Oskar begins to see him as a surrogate father figure.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn): A troubled and intelligent young boy who embarks on a city-wide quest after finding a key belonging to his father, who died in the 9/11 attacks.
• Thomas Schell (Tom Hanks): Oskar’s loving and adventurous father who dies in the World Trade Center on September 11th.
• Linda Schell (Sandra Bullock): Oskar’s grieving mother who secretly supports his quest while dealing with her own pain.
• The Renter (Max von Sydow): A non-verbal elderly man and Oskar’s grandfather who becomes his companion in the key search.
• Abby Black (Viola Davis): A woman Oskar meets during his search, who connects him to her ex-husband and the key’s true purpose.
• William Black (Jeffrey Wright): Abby’s ex-husband, who ultimately reveals the key’s significance and ends Oskar’s search.
• Oskar’s Grandmother (Zoe Caldwell): Oskar’s caring grandmother who rents a room to ‘The Renter’ and supports Oskar through his grief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomas Schell: “If things were easy to find, they wouldn’t be worth finding.” – This quote encapsulates the philosophy behind the scavenger hunts Thomas creates for Oskar, designed to help him overcome his fears and connect with the world.
• Oskar Schell: “I don’t believe in the Big Dipper. Why would I believe in something I can’t see?” – This quote reveals Oskar’s logical, literal way of viewing the world and his difficulty with abstract concepts or faith.
• Linda Schell: “I miss him, too, Oskar.” – This simple quote showcases Linda’s sadness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,847,881
• Worldwide Gross: $55,247,881

💥 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Reviews

Personal Review

I found *Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close* to be a really tough watch. The premise is heartbreaking, and there were moments that genuinely moved me. However, Oskar’s character was really hard to connect with for me. He was annoying and I struggled with the film’s heavy-handed approach to such a sensitive topic like 9/11. I did appreciate the performances from the supporting cast, especially Max von Sydow, who managed to convey so much emotion without saying a word. Overall, it’s a movie I can’t see myself revisiting anytime soon. It stirred so many emotions, but I think that the director handled such a delicate matter with such little thought for the viewers. I was left feeling like something was stolen from me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in dramas dealing with grief and loss.”
  • “Fans of character-driven stories.”
  • “Those seeking a poignant and emotional experience.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of death and grief.”
  • “References to the 9/11 attacks.”
  • “Occasional strong language.”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a talented cast, *Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close* is a manipulative and emotionally hollow attempt to exploit the tragedy of 9/11.
• Roger Ebert: “The film is well-intentioned, but its central character is so irritating that it undermines the emotional impact of the story. It feels like a calculated attempt to manipulate tears.
• The New York Times: “While undeniably moving at times, the film struggles to balance its heavy themes with the eccentricities of its protagonist. The result is a uneven experience that some will find profound, and others will find contrived.

Audience Reactions

The movie beautifully captures the raw emotions and resilience of New Yorkers after 9/11.: Many praised the film for its portrayal of grief and the journey of healing, highlighting the strong performances.

Some viewers found the main character, Oskar, to be unsympathetic and annoying, which detracted from the overall experience.: A significant portion of the audience felt that the film was overly sentimental and manipulative, using the 9/11 tragedy to elicit emotion in a contrived way.

Overall Consensus: Mixed opinions; praised for its emotional depth and acting, but criticized for its manipulative sentimentality and irritating main character.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Young Performer)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Thomas Horn, who played Oskar, had no prior acting experience before being cast in this film. He was discovered during a ‘Jeopardy!’ kids edition.”
• “The film’s opening shot, a person falling from the sky, was controversial and led to discussions about the appropriateness of depicting such imagery related to 9/11.”
• “Max von Sydow’s character, ‘The Renter,’ communicates solely through writing and gestures, adding a unique layer of emotion to his performance. Sydow received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role, despite having no dialogue.”

🖥️ How to Watch Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close?

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can also be purchased through major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, you might like these similar films:

• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with the themes of grief and loss in a realistic and poignant way, focusing on how individuals cope with overwhelming tragedy.
• War Horse (2011): Evokes emotional tension using 9/11 as the story’s premise.
• Billy Elliot (2000): Explores a young boy’s tale.
• Reign on Me (2007): A film that honors 9/11 in the same way.

🛒 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Related Products

• Jonathan Safran Foer Collection: Everything Is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Tree of Codes: The complete works of Jonathan Safran Foer in one package. Perfect for the reader who wants to explore the mind of the author of the film.
• New York City: Then & Now Paperback – Illustrated, October 16, 2018: Photographs of New York City with the focus on the pre and post September 11 landscape.
• Therapy Card Game – Improve Communication & Emotional Skills: A fun way to stimulate conversation about trauma, anxiety, and other issues that characters had in the movie.
• Vintage Film Camera, Reusable 35mm Film Camera Non Disposable, Point and Shoot Film Camera with Built-in Flash, Suitable for Beginners and Enthusiasts, Perfect for Gift: Film Camera from the same era that characters used in the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “If You Know The Lord Is Keeping You” – performed by Charles Taylor
• “Main Title” – performed by Alberto Iglesias
• “Tents” – performed by Alberto Iglesias

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Planes Don’t Fly Over the Pacific Ocean

Have you ever wondered why planes don’t fly over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean? This video uncovers the surprising reasons behind this curious aviation practice.

Johnny Knoxville Breaks Down Jackass’s Biggest Moments | GQ

Join Johnny Knoxville as he takes you on a wild ride through the most memorable stunts and pranks from the Jackass franchise. Prepare for laughter, cringe, and a newfound appreciation for the insanity that is Jackass.

How To Make Small Talk Fun

Struggling with small talk? This video is like a secret weapon for introverts, providing actionable tips to turn awkward conversations into engaging and enjoyable experiences.

✨ Rate