Watch The Dinner

The Dinner, a 2014 Italian drama film, directed by Ivano De Matteo, is an adaptation of the Dutch novel of the same name by Herman Koch. The movie revolves around two couples, Paolo and Clara Caruso (played by Alessandro Gassmann and Giovanna Mezzogiorno) and Blasco and Bianca Flores (played by Luigi Lo Cascio and Barbora Bobulova), who come together for a dinner to discuss a pressing issue- their children.

Paolo and Clara's son, Michele, and Blasco and Bianca's teenage son, Rick, have committed a heinous crime, and now the two couples have to come to terms with how they should deal with the situation. The movie focuses on the ethical and moral dilemmas these four people tackle as they try to reach a consensus on how to save their children from punishment. The dinner, which starts off cordially, soon turns into a less-than-civilized affair, as secrets, betrayals, and grievances that were thought long buried resurface.

The characters are well fleshed-out and realistic, with Alessandro Gassmann in particular delivering a superb performance as Paolo, a man who is torn between his paternal instincts, his love for his son, and his moral compass. Giovanna Mezzogiorno, as Clara, portrays a woman who is remarkably composed, bearing up well under the weight of the situation, while Luigi Lo Cascio is brilliant as Blasco, a man whose boundless love for his son threatens to cloud his judgment.

The director, Ivano De Matteo, manages to create a tense and suffocating atmosphere through claustrophobic camerawork, tight shots, and minimalistic lighting. The movie's pace is slow but deliberate, allowing the characters to breathe and giving the audience enough time to process the events unfolding on screen. The deft use of flashbacks adds layers to the story, providing insight into the motivations and actions of the characters. The dialogues are sharp and biting, laced with wry humor and social commentary.

The Dinner is a movie that demands patience and attention from the viewer, rewarding those who give it with a well-crafted and thought-provoking experience. It tackles a wide range of themes, from class divide and social responsibility to mental illness and familial love, leaving no stone unturned in its exploration of the human condition. The climax of the movie, while a bit predictable, is nonetheless impactful, leaving a strong emotional resonance long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, The Dinner is an excellent movie that is worth watching for its powerful performances, taut direction, and nuanced storytelling. The questions it raises about morality, justice, and accountability are particularly relevant in today's world, making this film a must-see for anyone looking for intelligent and nuanced cinema.

The Dinner is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.