Meet the Parents
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 2:08PM by Jason Adams
I'm can't really do a TFE-patented "Yes No Maybe So" for the just-dropped trailer for Mass -- writer-director Fran Kranz's Sundance smash that gives four great roles to the character actors Ann Dowd, Reed Birney, Jason Isaacs, and Martha f'ing Plimpton, playing the parents of two children involved in a school shooting -- because the trailer is mostly critical hosannas from Sundance, with maybe ten seconds of actual and intense footage from the intense film slammed down at the end, a bit like a punch in the gut. What am I gonna say, "Yes to that Variety quote but I'm iffy on the one from the Post?"
Anyway I already saw the movie at Sundance and it should be a yes for all of you, just trust me. All four actors have made it clear they're aiming for Supporting nominations Oscars-wise, and I wouldn't be surprised to see all of them make it. I'm rooting for all of them! The film hits NYC & LA on October 8th and rolls on out after that. Here's that trailer...
Ann Dowd, Fran Kranz, Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Mass, Reed Birney, Sundance
Reader Comments (9)
This looks electric! While I do have some concern that it will feel stagey, these four vets are particularly suited to that type of acting. I'm also curious about the age differences between their characters. It's slight, but seems like it could be a dynamic that's interesting.
Given the role she's playing, it's hard not to see Martha Plimpton picking up early buzz. She's had a long career, so it's easy to see her picking up traction for that.
I'm especially excited to see Issac here. His below the surface rage here was fascinating to see, and he's typically good, if undeserved in the roles he takes.
The acting branch are obviously going to get behind these 4 actors,it seems to me even this far out they are in,I think both ladies make it and maybe both men though Isaacs seems like the most likely.
I know Dowd is overdue for Academy recognition but Martha Plimpton was the 80s. So I'm especially invested in her getting the Jennifer Jason Leigh finally career honor nod.
OK, this looks fucking good and scary.
I saw it at Sundance too...
I liked Isaacs' acting the best, but yeah, all 4 are dynamic, specially considering the circumstances of how this film is shot. It's so stagy and actors' branch loves the stage actors kindofacting. But they really are all in leading parts as they are all in discussion all through the movie and very much present even when somebody else is in focus, so supporting feels kind of strange. But I guess, like lately the trend is - maybe it's easier to get nominated in supporting categories with such meaty presentation.
I don't like the poster, sorry. Too aggressive.
As much as I want this to succeed I think it might go the way of Rabbit Hole or Doubt. I don't know if this is based on a play but it seems like it is. I think it might go the way of Rabbit Hole- where only one element of the film is singled out or Doubt where the whole cast gets praised but nothing else.
this looks great, but it'll need to be one of those undeniable hits with critics and take plenty of awards from them, because Bleecker street is not exactly great in terms of bringing Oscar nods for their movies, the last time a movie released by them received Oscar nods was Captain Fantastic, certanly they got really close with Leave no trace, which could be the situation this year if their strategies remain the same.
Mr Ripley79, obviously? I mean, last year the acting branch snubbed Alfre Woodard for Clemency, a similarly acclaimed Sundance breakout, so not sure we can read the tea leaves just yet on AMPAS' embrace of it. But definitely rooting for Dowd and especially Plimpton, who's primed for a career-best nom.