The Nest

The Nest is an intense, atmospheric drama that promises to hold its viewers in a vice-like grip from beginning to end. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, who made a strong impression with his debut feature Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011, The Nest is a compelling examination of ambition, marital chaos, and the importance of family unity.

The narrative of The Nest is set in the 1980s and unfolds around the life of a British trader, Rory O'Hara, played by Jude Law and his American wife, Allison, portrayed by Carrie Coon. The couple, along with their children, leads a comfortable life in a New York suburb until a sudden decision made by Rory. Seized by ambition and the promise of a potential financial boom, Rory insists they move to England where he believes a golden opportunity in London’s booming markets awaits him.

This move is a seismic shift for the family, as it is forced to adjust to an entirely different environment. The stately yet creepy English country mansion they move into stands as a metaphor for their crumbling familial bonds, adding to the psychological tension and adding to the almost horror-like ambiance of the film.

Law's portrayal of Rory conveys a man steeped in ambition, driven by a need to regain status and wealth. His desperation is apparent in the overbearing attempts to fit into an upper-class English society that he once belonged to, before he met Allison. Law's charismatic, charming, and yet slightly sinister portrayal of Rory creates a compelling character, making viewers wonder what he will do next.

On the other hand, Carrie Coon's performance as Allison is an impressive study of stoicism slowly breaking into desperation. Her gradual disillusionment with her husband's drive, the struggles of adapting to a new life and maintaining a semblance of normality for her two children, is brilliantly captured. Allison is a horse trainer by profession and her connection to her horse is an echoing subplot in the narrative, reflecting some of the film’s key themes.

Durkin embeds the narrative with symbolisms and metaphors, using them to explore the broader themes of the film. Throughout the movie, the significant emphasis is laid on the constantly fluctuating dynamics of the family. Exploring themes of self-worth, aspirations, deception, and the undying quest for success, the film questions the societal constructs of success and ambition. This is not a film that shies away from portraying the often messy and sometimes ugly side of a family, beautifully captured with muted yet strong performances from its lead cast.

Durkin’s narrative style, with its slow and deliberate pace, allows viewers to slowly immerse themselves in the world of the O'Haras. He maintains a consistent undercurrent of dread throughout the film, enhanced by the cinematography and haunting score that chills as much as it enthralls. There's a consistent feeling of things steadily falling apart, captured perfectly in the slow-burn tension present in each scene.

It's not just the intimate focus on Rory and Allison that binds the viewers to the narrative. Their children, played by Charlie Shotwell and Oona Roche, are also caught in this storm. Their struggles to adapt to their new realities, the culture shock, and the endeavor to maintain their distorted family form are shown with touching realism in The Nest.

From cinematography to the soundtrack, every element of The Nest works in unison to create a palpable sense of unease and tension. The beautifully shot, aesthetic frames consistently bring out the coldness of the mansion and the isolation of the characters, while the music underscores the creeping dread that permeates the story.

In conclusion, The Nest is an eerily atmospheric and intense drama, bolstered by powerful performances and a richly layered script. It's a tale of a family that unpacks the complexities of relationships, the impacts of relentless ambition, and the measures people can resort to for survival. It's a slow burn thriller, but one that pays off in its exploration of its characters and their relationships. With a distinct sense of place and time, The Nest is a deeply psychological and resonant drama, a portrait of a family slowly unravelling under the pressures of unchecked ambition and societal expectations.