In the heartland of Oklahoma, where secrets simmer beneath the scorching sun, August: Osage County captures the story of a deeply dysfunctional family where Meryl Streep plays the disturbing family matriarch. Lauded for her performance, the film earned Streep a ‘Best Actress’ Oscar nomination. The film has been available on Netflix’s library for a while now, but now it is all primed for a departure.
The John Wells directorial is a visceral exploration of family bonds and fractures, magnificently brought to life by the mesmerising performances of Streep and Julia Roberts. With the clock ticking, mark your calendars for July 26th, the last day you can experience the emotional rollercoaster that is August: Osage County on Netflix.
August: Osage County is adapted from Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The story centres around the Weston family, whose members are brought together by a family crisis when their father goes missing. The days that commence in the Weston home focus on an intense, emotionally charged reunion of the three Weston sisters and their families.
Set in the hot and arid plains of Oklahoma, the film delves deep into the complexities of disturbing family dynamics, unearthing long-buried secrets, resentments, and grievances.
At the heart of the narrative stands the indomitable Violet Weston, portrayed with breathtaking skill by Streep as usual. Violet is a pill-addicted, sharp-tongued matriarch who spares no one from her acerbic lashings. When her husband Beverly mysteriously disappears, the entire family gathers at the Weston family home to provide support. However, what starts as a united front soon unravels into bitter conflicts and disturbing revelations that test the bonds of blood and loyalty.
And Streep isn’t the only one shining in this cinematic gem. Roberts, a powerhouse performer in her own right, delivered a memorable performance as Barbara, Violet’s eldest daughter. The simmering tension and emotional turmoil between Streep and Roberts on screen are palpable, making their on-screen chemistry one of the film’s many highlights. Roberts’ performance landed her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The film’s impressive cast doesn’t end with Streep and Roberts. The ensemble also features exceptional talents like Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, Dermot Mulroney, Margo Martindale, and many others, all of whom brought depth and nuance to their respective roles.
The directorial prowess behind August: Osage County comes from the acclaimed filmmaker John Wells, known for his work on The West Wing and ER. Wells masterfully translates the intensity of the stage play to the big screen. Tracy Letts, the playwright himself, took on the challenge of adapting his work for the screen, ensuring that the essence of the original story remained intact.
You can watch August: Osage County on Netflix before it leaves on July 26th, 2023.
