Nebraska review — a beautiful, bittersweet comedy drama

AMERICAN director Alexander Payne just has to be the most reliable shots-caller in the business right now. So it’s exemplary business as usual for Nebraska.

Nebraska [M]

Rating: 4.5 stars

Director: Alexander Payne (Sideways)

Starring: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Bob Odenkirk, June Squibb, Stacy Keach

American director Alexander Payne just has to be the most reliable shots-caller in the business right now.

Every film he’s ever done (acclaimed titles such as Sideways, About Schmidt and The Descendants) has landed squarely on the top shelf.

So it’s exemplary business as usual for Nebraska, a beautiful, bittersweet comedy-drama about a fragile old-timer named Woody (an Oscar-nominated Bruce Dern), who mistakenly thinks he is about to become a lottery millionaire.

Bruce Dern in a scene from film Nebraska.

In a bid to let him down gently, Woody’s youngest son, David (Will Forte), takes him on a road trip where the misunderstanding will, hopefully, clear itself up.

Naturally, it doesn’t, and when the pair make a pit stop in Woody’s old home town, news of the non-existent windfall brings the worst out of family, friends and enemies alike.

The pair are soon joined en route by Woody’s wife Kate (June Squibb) — a no-nonsense dame who wants the rot stopped right away — and their other son Ross (Bob Odenkirk), a TV news anchor.

Great screen chemistry ... Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska.

With an immaculately crafted screenplay by first-time writer Bob Nelson at its disposal, Nebraska is free to put a well-chosen cast through their paces with just the right grace notes of humour and pathos.

The chemistry between Dern (as great as he has ever been) and Forte (better known for straight comedy work, seriously impressive here) is as potent as it is poignant.

There is a communication gap between father and son that neither can fully cross. Woody’s irregular bouts of senility and David’s reticent personality make sure of that.

Bruce Dern (left) and Will Forte in a scene from film Nebraska.

However, there is still a bond there, a mutual inkling that while life has given them lemons, there might still be time to settle for something better than lemonade.

Stunning black-and-white cinematography showcases the open skies (and closed minds) of Middle America to absolute perfection.

Highly recommended.

Bruce Dern in a scene from film Nebraska.

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