Watch The Land of Steady Habits

"The Land of Steady Habits" is a 2018 American drama film directed and written by Nicole Holofcener. The movie is an adaptation of Ted Thompson's 2014 novel which shares the same name. The story follows the life of Anders Hill (Ben Mendelsohn), a wealthy and retired businessman who has become disillusioned with his life and the people around him. After leaving his wife Helene (Edie Falco), Anders tries to rediscover himself and overcome his addiction to drugs and alcohol by forming new relationships with people from different walks of life.

The movie primarily takes place in Connecticut and mainly revolves around the life of Anders Hill, who is going through a midlife crisis. He has recently retired from his job as a successful finance executive and is now trying to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Early on in the story, Anders leaves his wife Helene and moves into a smaller house, and instead of finding peace, he finds that his life is in ruins.

The film explores the complexities of human relationships, financial security, and addiction. It has elements of comedy and drama, ranging from depressing and poignant scenes to uproarious moments. Holofcener manages to explore melancholy themes with wit and charm whilst maintaining a low-key atmosphere.

The plot follows a few characters, including Anders Hill, his wife Helene, their son, Charlie (Thomas Mann), and Sophie (Elizabeth Marvel), a recovering alcoholic who Anders befriends at an AA meeting. Anders’ complicated relationships with each of them demonstrate the profound struggles of reconciling with past mistakes and moving forward with one’s life.

Mendelsohn delivers a stellar performance that perfectly captures the pain and confusion of his character. His conversations with Sophie offer insight into his internal turmoil and how he is struggling to reconcile his past with his present. The contrast between his life as a wealthy businessman and his life post-retirement is jarring and adds an element of disillusionment to his character.

Natalie Gold, who plays Barbara, one of the women Anders meets, and Thomas Mann, who plays his son Charlie, also deliver strong performances. Barbara is a young karaoke hostess whom Anders is besotted with, and Charlie struggles with his own demons and an estranged relationship with his father.

The cinematography captures the subtleties of the characters' actions and reactions beautifully. The camera is often pointed at their facial expressions and body language, capturing the desperation that exists beneath the somewhat fabricated moments of happiness.

Overall, "The Land of Steady Habits" is a touching, and at times humorous, exploration of what it means to change course and learn from past regrets. Holofcener’s deft handling of the material and the outstanding cast turns a potentially depressing story into something deeply moving and thought-provoking. The movie is a poignant snapshot of the lives of well-heeled New England suburbanites whose privilege masks a deep foundational tragedy. It is a wonderful film and would be ideal for anyone who likes smart, impeccably executed character dramas.

The Land of Steady Habits is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 71.