Watch Everything Must Go
- R
- 2011
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.4 (53,505)
Everything Must Go is a 2010 comedy-drama film that stars Will Ferrell as Nick Halsey, a man who has just lost his job, his wife, and his home all in one day. The film is directed by Dan Rush, who also wrote the screenplay based on a short story by Raymond Carver. Alongside Ferrell, the film also features Rebecca Hall as Samantha, a new neighbor who helps Nick through his difficult time, and Christopher Jordan Wallace as Kenny, a teenage boy who befriends Nick.
The movie begins with Nick arriving home to find all his belongings strewn across the front lawn, the locks changed, and a note on the door informing him that his wife has left him. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter the house, Nick decides to camp out on his lawn with his possessions, drinking and wallowing in self-pity. Eventually, his new neighbor, Samantha, introduces herself and offers to help him sell his possessions in a yard sale, since he can't move them back into the house.
Thus begins a cathartic journey for Nick, who takes stock of his life as he sells his belongings and meets the odd characters who stop by his yard sale. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Nick's past and the reasons why he is in his current predicament. We get a sense of his struggles with alcoholism, his relationship with his wife, and the feeling of stagnation in his life before he lost his job.
Although the film is at times sentimental and bleak, it also has moments of humor, thanks mainly to Ferrell's performance. Ferrell shows a more serious side to his acting, and the movie benefits from his understated approach. This is a movie that relies heavily on its performances, and Hall and Wallace both deliver great performances that allow Ferrell's Nick to come across as more sincere and vulnerable.
One particular scene that stands out is when Nick gives a speech to Kenny's scouting group about the importance of having a home. This is a touching moment as you see Nick's vulnerability and his desire for a sense of stability in his life. It's an honest and authentic moment from Ferrell, and it shows that he can do more than just be funny.
The movie is shot beautifully by Michael Barrett, who makes the most of the suburban setting. This is one of those movies where the setting feels like a character in itself, as the neighborhood's highly manicured appearance contrasts somewhat ironically with Nick's chaotic situation. The soundtrack, which features a mix of classic and contemporary songs, also enhances the mood of the film.
What sets Everything Must Go apart from other movies about mid-life crises is the fact that it is not a tale of redemption or rags-to-riches. Instead, it's a story that is more about acceptance and moving forward. Nick doesn't necessarily find a quick fix to his problems, but he learns to appreciate the things he still has and the possibilities that come with starting over.
Overall, Everything Must Go is a touching and poignant film that benefits from great performances, beautiful cinematography, and a clever screenplay. It's a perfect example of a movie that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits have rolled.
Everything Must Go is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 65.