The Descendants Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich Hawaiian dude finds out his comatose wife was cheating, so he goes on a road trip with his daughters and a stoner to find the other guy, while also deciding whether to sell a bunch of land, because drama.

🍿 The Descendants: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Coma and Family Responsibilities

Matt King, a wealthy Honolulu lawyer and landowner, grapples with the sudden onset of a crisis when his wife, Elizabeth, is severely injured in a boating accident and falls into a coma. Struggling with the fact that she had an affair, Matt finds himself thrust into the role of primary caregiver for his two daughters, the rebellious teenager Alexandra and the precocious younger daughter Scottie. Previously the ‘back-up parent’, Matt is forced to confront the reality of their estranged family dynamics.

Affair and the Quest for Closure

As Elizabeth’s condition deteriorates, Matt learns from Alexandra that his wife was having an affair, leading to increased tension between mother and daughter before the accident. Driven by a need for understanding and closure, Matt embarks on a journey to find Elizabeth’s lover, Brian Speer, a real estate agent. He brings Alexandra and her blunt friend, Sid, along with him, creating an unconventional and emotionally charged road trip across the Hawaiian islands.

Land Trust Dilemma

In addition to his personal turmoil, Matt is the trustee of a valuable family land trust of pristine land on Kauai. With the trust set to expire soon, he faces immense pressure from his extended family to sell the land for development. This decision weighs heavily on him, especially as he uncovers the connection between Brian Speer and the potential land deal, complicating his emotions and challenging his values.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matt King (George Clooney): A Honolulu lawyer and land trustee who grapples with his wife’s coma, infidelity, and reconnecting with his daughters.
• Alexandra King (Shailene Woodley): Matt’s rebellious teenage daughter who reveals her mother’s affair and helps him confront it.
• Scottie King (Amara Miller): Matt’s younger daughter who acts out as she struggles with her mother’s impending death.
• Sid (Nick Krause): Alexandra’s well-meaning but awkward friend who accompanies the family on their journey.
• Elizabeth King (Patricia Hastie): Matt’s comatose wife whose past infidelity triggers a family crisis.
• Brian Speer (Matthew Lillard): The real estate agent and Elizabeth’s lover whose affair complicates Matt’s grief and decisions.
• Cousin Hugh (Beau Bridges): Matt’s cousin who is eager to sell the family land and clashes with Matt’s decisions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matt King: “I’m the back-up parent. The understudy.” – Matt says this in a voiceover, explaining his role in his daughters’ lives before his wife’s accident forces him to become the primary caregiver.
• Matt King: “You give your children enough money to do something but not enough to do nothing.” – Matt reflects on his family’s wealth and his desire to raise his daughters with values.
• Alexandra King: “You need to live a good life, Dad. That’s all.” – Alexandra tells her father this to give him permission to be happy after his wife passes away.
• Julie Speer: “I want to hate you for this, but I can’t.” – Brian Speer’s wife, Julie, says this to Matt after finding out about her husband’s affair with his wife.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $82,584,160
• Worldwide Gross: $177,243,185

💥 The Descendants Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! It felt so real and raw. Seeing Clooney play a dad completely out of his element was both hilarious and heartbreaking. The scene where they’re all awkwardly sitting together after everything hits the fan, eating ice cream, was so touching. I felt like I was right there with them, processing all the emotions. It’s a movie that stays with you long after you’ve watched it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of George Clooney”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films set in unique locations”
  • “Audiences seeking thoughtful, character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Language”
  • “Brief drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Clooney delivers a nuanced performance as a man grappling with grief and responsibility. Payne masterfully balances humor and pathos, creating a film that is both heartbreaking and surprisingly funny. The Hawaiian setting adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the tension between tradition and progress.
• A.O. Scott: “The film transcends the typical family drama through its sharp writing and authentic performances. Woodley shines as the rebellious daughter, adding depth to the film’s exploration of grief and reconciliation. Payne’s direction is understated yet powerful, creating a resonant and moving experience.
• Peter Travers: “Clooney gives the performance of his career as a flawed but ultimately decent man navigating unimaginable challenges. The film is a poignant exploration of family, loss, and redemption. The Descendants is a must-see, a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The humor amidst the grief was surprisingly effective and relatable.: Viewers appreciated the film’s ability to blend comedic moments with serious themes, creating a balanced and engaging experience.

Shailene Woodley’s performance was a standout, bringing depth and authenticity to her character.: Audiences praised Woodley’s portrayal of a troubled teen, noting her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength.

Overall Consensus: A poignant and well-acted dramedy that explores themes of family, loss, and redemption with humor and heart.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2012
2. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 2012
3. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (George Clooney))- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel ‘The Descendants’ by Kaui Hart Hemmings, who also makes a cameo appearance as Matt’s secretary.”
• “Alexander Payne specifically chose Hawaiian music for the soundtrack to reflect the unique cultural identity and emotional landscape of the story.”
• “George Clooney wore his own wedding ring in the film. Clooney gained weight to fit the role, and he also dyed his hair to a darker shade of gray. Clooney also changed his gait to the point where it looked like he had back issues.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Descendants?

The Descendants is available to stream on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV for purchase or rental. Check local listings for cable availability. DVD and Blu-ray copies can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, offering options for physical media collectors.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Descendants, you might like these similar films:

• About Schmidt (2002): Another Alexander Payne film featuring a middle-aged man dealing with personal and familial issues, with a blend of humor and pathos.
• Sideways (2004): Also directed by Alexander Payne, this film explores themes of midlife crisis, friendship, and self-discovery through a road trip.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships in a raw and emotionally resonant way.
• Up in the Air (2009): George Clooney deals with family troubles and his job at the same time.

🛒 The Descendants Related Products

• The Descendants [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the cast and crew, providing deeper insights into the movie’s creation.
• The Descendants (Novel): Kaui Hart Hemmings’ original novel provides a deeper dive into the characters and their relationships. Explore the story that inspired the film and discover additional details and perspectives.
• Hawaiian Shirt: Embrace the island vibe with a stylish Hawaiian shirt, reminiscent of the attire worn by the characters in the movie. Made from high-quality, breathable fabric for ultimate comfort.
• March of the Penguins (DVD): Watch the movie that the King family watched at the end of The Descendants. A beautiful documentary about the perseverance of penguins in Antartica.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ka Makani Ka’ili Aloha” – performed by Gabby Pahinui
• “Hi’ilawe” – performed by Gabby Pahinui
• “Honolulu City Lights” – performed by Keola Beamer

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The COMPLETE story of the Descendants Franchise in 18 Minutes

Curious about all things Descendants? This video condenses the entire franchise into 18 easy-to-digest minutes. From the first movie to the latest spin-offs, you’ll have a complete picture.

Descendants 2 doesn’t make any sense…

Looking for a lighthearted take on Descendants 2? This video hilariously points out all the plot holes and inconsistencies, offering a fresh perspective and plenty of laughs.

Descendants 3 doesn’t make any sense…

Think you know Descendants 3 inside out? Prepare to have your mind blown by this witty analysis that uncovers the movie’s hidden flaws and inconsistencies.

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