The Land of Steady Habits

I've read enough reviews stating things like 'no one to root for' and that the film is slow. I basically view both types of opinions on this film as coming from those that are the type of audiences that enjoy the endless Marvel/Star Wars drivel; where the action and pace is non-stop and unnatural and where cliche characters are everyone's favorite.

This film has solid natural pacing, and it is slow yet befitting the theme, so those that have an attention span and are in the right mood for such a film should give it a go. The film, as the synopsis says, is about a divorcee (Mendelsohn) that feels lost after the end of his marriage and abandoning his career - as most people would. Married to this sense of aimlessness is poor decisions which ultimately lead to a sort of redemption with those that ultimately matter. Mendelsohn is great as always and the supporting cast is solid. Avoids usual structure of films that many are unfortunately acclimated to that result in a firework worthy crescendo. A film about a man's life that is upside down in this regard isn't an edge of your seat film, complete with heroes and action scenes; some people really need to take the thirty seconds to read a synopsis and think (if possible) for another thirty seconds if that film is up their alley.

Bottom line: Solid movie, slower pace yet befitting of themes involved, and solid performances. Soundtrack is a dud. Those that did enjoy the movie and are readers should check out the book that preceded it.

I was tired of thrillers and suspense so I tried this movie on Netflix. It's lighthearted but sad. Not much happens, just a slice of life. I didn't hate it but I probably won't remember it. I give this 5 / 10.

I enjoyed it. Didn't check my phone once while watching it. No plot, per se. Low-key family drama, slightly hollow and cliche in spite of what it tries to be. I liked it particularly because I can relate. I grew up 30 minutes from where the movie was filmed, and I have a relative who lives in Westport. Each character reminds me of at least one person I know in real life-it's a very real movie about real problems. Interesting because there is no overt moral to the story but rather a vicarious lesson in how relationships and pain are inextricable.

By watching this film, you won't get a story, or some profound way to "live the best life" it's about reality, it's about knowing the things that you do or plan will always not result in happiness. Savour it's slowness in solitude, hopefully you will connect with Anders.

I enjoyed this movie. It wasn't anything fancy, it just showed a short look into a middle aged man's life. I found it had the feel of a series and I think it could have been a few episodes maybe. I liked the leads, although the son was a little flat.

I think it explored guilt and the lost loneliness that can befall people when they've been in a marriage, but find themselves lost.