This Is Where I Leave You
The brief
Shawn Levy trades his usual crowd-pleasing instincts for something messier and more authentic, letting Jason Bateman's deadpan cynicism and Tina Fey's sharp timing anchor a family dysfunction comedy that actually earns its emotional moments. The ensemble clicks naturally through awkward dinner conversations and old sibling rivalries, while Jane Fonda steals scenes as the oversharing matriarch who refuses to let anyone wallow in grief properly. It's got the warm, lived-in feeling of sitting shiva with people you love but can't stand for more than a few days. Perfect for anyone who loved The Royal Tenenbaums but wished it was less precious and more like an actual family reunion.
The verdict
If you love dysfunctional family comedies with authentic sibling dynamics and can handle raw, messy emotional moments, this delivers genuine laughs and heart through stellar performances from Bateman, Fey, and Jane Fonda. If you prefer tightly plotted stories or can't tolerate cringe-worthy family awkwardness, the meandering pace and uncomfortable dinner table scenes will test your patience.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family movie night (adults)
- 👥 Great with friends who appreciate ensemble comedies
- ⚠️ Skip if you're dealing with recent loss
Heads up
- Death of parent (central plot point) (moderate)
- Frank discussions of sex and relationships (moderate)
- Brief scenes of emotional breakdown (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Shawn Levy
- Cast
- Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn
Official synopsis
When their father passes away, four grown, world-weary siblings return to their childhood home and are requested
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both explore damaged men confronting family trauma and seeking redemption.
Total runtime: 1h 43m + 1h 29m = 3h 12m
