Watch The Homecoming

The Homecoming, released in 1973, is a psychological drama that showcases the complexities and dark reality of human relationships. Directed by Peter Hall and based on Harold Pinter's play of the same name, the movie stars Cyril Cusack, Ian Holm, and Paul Rogers. The story revolves around a family residing in an old house in North London. Max, the patriarch of the family, is a retired butcher who lives with his brother Sam, a chauffeur. The siblings' daily routine is disrupted when Lenny, one of Max's sons, brings his wife Ruth to the house. The couple had been living in America, and Ruth is meeting her in-laws for the first time. The family is surprised by Lenny's sudden arrival, and Ruth's presence creates tension in the already strained relationships.

The family dynamic is dysfunctional, and each character has their peculiar characteristics. Max is bitter and domineering, constantly belittling Sam and his other son, Joey. Sam is quiet and reserved, frequently remembering his past and being bewildered by the happenings in the house. Lenny is a pimp and a thug, who likes to pick fights and bully people. Joey is a simple-minded boxer who has a soft spot for Ruth. Ruth, on the other hand, is an enigmatic figure, whose presence causes the family to unravel.

The Homecoming is a character-driven movie, and the plot primarily focuses on the interaction and psychological games between the characters. The family members' dialogues are sharp, filled with witty retorts and aggressive undertones. Each character has their motivations and hidden agendas, and the audience is left wondering who among them is trustworthy. The characters' unpredictable actions and emotions keep the audience on the edge throughout the movie.

Peter Hall has done an outstanding job of adapting Pinter's electrifying play into a movie. The setting, a run-down house, serves as a metaphor for the family's broken relationships. The cinematography and lighting add an eerie atmosphere, which complements the story's dark theme. The movie's score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is haunting and underscores the film's ominous undertones.

The movie's success can be attributed to the outstanding performances by the cast. Cyril Cusack, Ian Holm, and Paul Rogers deliver exceptional performances as the dysfunctional family. Cusack is outstanding as Max, the despicable patriarch whose disdain for his family's weakness shines through in his every line. Holm's portrayal of Lenny is menacing and unpredictable, and he successfully brings out the character's cruelty and insecurity. Rogers delivers a heartwarming performance as Joey, who is genuinely kind-hearted and innocent.

But the standout performance undoubtedly comes from Vivien Merchant as Ruth. She brings an aura of mystery and sensuality to the movie, and her performance is both alluring and unsettling. Merchant's portrayal of Ruth is captivating and unsettling, leaving the audience guessing about her true intentions until the end.

The Homecoming is not a movie for everyone. The movie is slow-paced, and the audience's patience is rewarded with subtle character development and a deeply satisfying climax. The movie's ambiguity and open-ended conclusion may not suit everyone's taste, but it adds to the story's charm and leaves the audience with much to think about.

In conclusion, The Homecoming is a masterful adaptation of Harold Pinter's play, showcasing the complexity and darkness of human relationships. The movie's sharp dialogues, haunting score, and outstanding performances make it a standout movie of its time. The Homecoming is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic psychological dramas.

The Homecoming is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.