Director / George Clooney (THE MONUMENTS MEN, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK)
Stars/ Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Noah Jupe, Glenn Fleshler, Alex Hassell and Oscar Isaac

Having previously appeared in four films written by Joel and Ethan Coen (THE BIG LEBOWSKI, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN), this is George Clooney’s first time to direct a Coen Brothers script. And if there is just one guarantee that can be made by SUBURBICON, as per most Coen Brothers films, any initial assumptions from its audience regarding the trajectory of the storyline are deliberately destined to be wrong!

The synopsis in this darkened comedy will play much to your advantage if you keep any prior knowledge of it to a minimum. All that’s necessary for you to know at this point is that SUBURBICON nests itself in the 1950’s where a newer, yet settled town by the same name is home to many happy middle-class white American families. The peaceful and idyllic existence of the locals begins to crumble when Suburbicon’s first coloured family move to the neighbourhood which coincides with a violent home invasion at the residence of the Lodge family (played by Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and young rising star Noah Jupe). 

Even before the cataclysmic events occur, it is obvious that things are not as rosy as they appear from the outset in the town of Suburbicon. For only a brief, yet still a concerning duration of time quite early into SUBURBICON, the same is observed of the film. Before its irresistibly bewitching spell is cast over audiences, SUBURBICON has to surmount a noticeable mismatch between its music score, its objective tone and the flat execution of the scenes these aspects fulfil. Enough of that though – let’s get to the good stuff!

Fortunately, a devilish revelation that permanently changes the course of this film for the better is soon unveiled and suddenly slots every facet of filmmaking in their suitable place. For instance, the profound music score by legendary composer Alexandre Desplat, the trademark craftiness in writing from the Coen Brothers and some cunning directing work from George Clooney are now giving this Wisteria Lane-like hood injections of hysteria! Another stylish member to add to SUBURBICON’s rising population is an outstanding set and location design that goes to great lengths at emphasising very particular details that embed it in the era it’s set.

Though there does remain a flaw or two to still be spotted, some against-type casting and the delicious performances are more than enough to distract from any deficiencies. Especially Oscar Isaac – he completely steals the show in a minor but crucial part.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion/ MA15+ (Strong themes and violence)

Trailer / SUBURBICON

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Moviedoc / “LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc

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