Igby Goes Down Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich kid tries to avoid responsibility by sleeping with older women and being generally unpleasant until he realizes that maybe, just maybe, life isn’t all about him.

🍿 Igby Goes Down: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Igby Slocumb

Jason ‘Igby’ Slocumb Jr., a 17-year-old from a wealthy East Coast family, struggles with his dysfunctional upbringing. His mother, Mimi, is controlling, and his father, Jason Sr., suffers from schizophrenia and is institutionalized. Igby clashes with his older brother, Ollie, who embraces their privileged lifestyle, viewing him as a ‘fascist.’

Rebellion and Escape

Igby’s rebellious nature leads to expulsion from multiple prep schools, including a military academy. He escapes before graduation, prompting Mimi and his godfather, D.H. Banes, to arrange for him to live with Ollie in New York City for the summer. He is to work for D.H. renovating properties.

Summer in the City

In New York, Igby seeks refuge from his responsibilities, finding companionship with Rachel, D.H.’s heroin-addicted mistress, and Sookie, a slightly older waitress he falls in love with. He navigates complex relationships and indulges in illicit activities, attempting to forge his own path.

Betrayal and Realization

An issue with Sookie and a fateful mission with Ollie forces Igby to confront the harsh realities of his situation. He gains a clearer understanding of his uncertain future and the limitations of his rebellious actions. He begins to see the truth in his relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Igby Slocumb (Kieran Culkin): A rebellious and cynical teenager who struggles to find his place amidst his dysfunctional family and the pressures of high society.
• Mimi Slocumb (Susan Sarandon): Igby’s self-absorbed and controlling mother, who is more concerned with appearances than her children’s well-being.
• Oliver Slocumb (Ryan Phillippe): Igby’s older brother, a successful and ambitious economics student who embraces the values Igby rejects.
• D.H. Banes (Jeff Goldblum): Igby’s godfather, a wealthy and influential figure who provides a dubious role model and further complicates Igby’s life.
• Sookie Sapperstein (Claire Danes): A waitress and college student with whom Igby falls in love, representing a brief escape from his troubled world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Igby: “Oliver is majoring in neo-fascism at Columbia.” – Igby’s sarcastic response to his mother to show the contrast with his brother, highlighting his rebellious nature.
• Mimi: “I call her Mimi because ‘Heinous One’ would be a bit cumbersome.” – Igby’s remarks about his mother, showcasing the tension-filled and often darkly humorous relationship between them.
• Igby: “I’m not sure what I want, but I know I don’t want this.” – Captures Igby’s sense of alienation and his desire to escape the expectations and constraints of his upbringing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,777,465
• Worldwide Gross: $6,919,198

💥 Igby Goes Down Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Igby Goes Down’! It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. Kieran Culkin is fantastic as Igby, and I found myself really rooting for him, even when he was making questionable choices. The scene where he confronts his mother at the end was so powerful and heartbreaking. It made me think about my own family dynamics and the struggles we all face. Definitely a must-watch if you’re into dark comedies with a touch of heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives”
  • “Those who enjoy films with dysfunctional family themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suicide”

Professional Reviews

• indieWire: “Burr Steers crafts a darkly comedic coming-of-age story with a sharp wit and an excellent ensemble cast. Kieran Culkin shines as Igby, capturing the angst and cynicism of a privileged youth rebelling against his world. The film’s exploration of family dysfunction and societal expectations is both poignant and entertaining.
• Rolling Stone: “Igby Goes Down is a darkly funny and emotionally resonant film. Kieran Culkin’s performance is a revelation, and the supporting cast, including Susan Sarandon and Jeff Goldblum, is superb. The film’s exploration of wealth, privilege, and family dysfunction is both biting and insightful, making it a must-see.
• New York Times: “Igby Goes Down is a wickedly funny and surprisingly poignant film about a young man’s struggle to find his place in the world. Kieran Culkin delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Igby, and the film’s sharp writing and direction make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.

Audience Reactions

Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of Igby is phenomenal and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Kieran Culkin’s performance, the film’s witty dialogue, and its insightful exploration of family dynamics.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the movie’s tone and adds to the overall experience.: Many appreciate the film’s music selection and how it enhances the atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: Igby Goes Down is a well-received dark comedy praised for its sharp writing, excellent performances, and insightful exploration of family dysfunction and societal expectations.

Awards

1. Satellite Awards (Outstanding Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical)- 2002

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kieran Culkin was cast in the role of Igby just two weeks before filming commenced, stepping into a role that required him to carry the emotional weight of the film.”
• “The film is considered by many to be a modern retelling of J.D. Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, with Igby embodying the disaffected and rebellious spirit of Holden Caulfield.”
• “Burr Steers, making his debut as both writer and director, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of privileged East Coast society, injecting a personal touch into the film’s narrative and dialogue.”

🖥️ How to Watch Igby Goes Down?

Igby Goes Down is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. It is not typically included with subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Igby Goes Down, you might like these similar films:

• The Catcher in the Rye (Unmade): Thematic Similar – A direct literary parallel, sharing themes of teenage angst and rebellion against societal norms.
• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Direct Comparison – Shares a similar dark comedic tone and exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics within a wealthy setting.
• Ghost World (2001): Thematic Similar – Explores themes of teenage alienation and the struggle to find one’s place in a superficial world, though with a more indie and quirky approach.
• American Beauty (1999): Thematic Similar – Critiques suburban American life and explores the themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the search for meaning beyond surface appearances.

🛒 Igby Goes Down Related Products

• Igby Goes Down [Blu-ray]: Experience the dark humor and coming-of-age story in high definition. This Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality for a more immersive viewing experience. It’s a must-have for fans of the film and collectors of independent cinema.
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Explore the classic novel that inspired many aspects of Igby Goes Down. Delve into the mind of Holden Caulfield and his struggles with authenticity and societal expectations. This book provides a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the film.
• Indie Movie Poster – Igby Goes Down (Various Sizes): Decorate your space with a high-quality poster featuring the iconic imagery of Igby Goes Down. Available in various sizes, this poster is perfect for fans of the film and collectors of movie memorabilia. It adds a touch of indie film flair to any room.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Cult Classics – Holden Caulfield: Add this unique Holden Caulfield Funko Pop figure to your collection! Inspired by *The Catcher in the Rye*, this stylized figure is a must-have for fans who want to pay homage to the literary inspiration behind *Igby Goes Down*.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Don’t Panic” – performed by Coldplay
• “Life on Mars?” – performed by David Bowie
• “Into Dust” – performed by Mazzy Star
• “Ibuki Reconstruction” – performed by Kodo

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Igby Goes Down: Example Therapy Session

Ever wondered what went on in Igby’s head? This therapy session clip is a short but powerful glimpse into his character’s complexities. I found it super insightful!

Travis – The Weight (Band cover from Igby Goes Down)

Recognize that amazing tune at the end of ‘Igby Goes Down’? It’s Travis covering ‘The Weight’! This short clip brings back all the feels from the movie’s ending. A perfect little musical moment!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=1hxkyV3RCu0

✨ Rate