All their children are there: Environmental Lawyer Cynthia (Zoey Deutch), successful alternative comedian Ellen (Madeline Brewer), early career author Josh (Dylan O'Brien) and budding scientist 'Birdie' (Mckenna Grace).
They're a wealthy comfortable family with a beautiful lakeside home and the scene is set for a beautiful party.
Josh has brought his new girlfriend Liz (Phoebe Dynevor) along and Ellen swears she recognises her from somewhere.
Liz is pleasant and respectful but suddenly Ellen realises where she knows her from.
No good will come of this.
CW: a grim watch in the current US political climate
"Just name the dog, Ellen. Please!"
Jan Komasa and Lori Rosene-Gambino's political thriller is something I'd never heard of until I saw a random recommendation elsewhere. It has reputedly been 'buried' but it could also just be a mundane marketing/distribution failure.
What we have here is essentially a prequel to something akin to "The Handmaid's Tale" told through a series of parties and family gatherings.
It's ruinously tense with conversations over birthday cake having the same impact as the "What kind of American?" interaction did in Civil War.
I don't want to say a lot, it's best done cold-ish, but its main flaw is that the final few scenes get exceedingly amped up and improbable. Dramatic licence always sets your protagonists at the centre of matters but it overdoes this.
Still a really tough and timely watch though, 9/10 highly recommended. It's one of those movie that made be run my fingers through my hair with stress.