In July, 20th Century Fox released a new star-studded drama called Demolition. Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper and young star Judah Lewis all work together to create an emotional punch to the gut that leaves you questioning your own life.
Gyllenhaal plays Davis Mitchell, an investment banker who gets into a car accident and loses his wife. At the hospital, a vending machine eats his money. When he writes to the company, he uses it as an opportunity to start processing what he’s going through. The expressive letter leads the customer service representative, Watts, to weave him into the life of herself and her 15-year-old son, played by Lewis. The rest of the film is an emotional roller coaster as they all try to figure out who they are and what their lives mean. Cooper plays Davis’s overwhelmed father-in-law and boss.
The acting in this film was on-point. Gyllenhaal is powerful in his portrayal of numb, but honest Mitchell. When his emotions break, you break with him. You feel for Watts in her loveless relationship and Lewis’s innocence and troubles hurt your heart. The story is beautiful and expertly directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, who also directed Dallas Buyers Club and Wild. It makes you want to question everything you believe to be true in your own relationships.
In the end, I feel this movie is intense and stunning. If you love moving dramas, this should be added to your list. Also, if you’re a fan of Gyllenhaal or Watts, you’ll enjoy their touching performances here. Buy it on DVD, Blu-ray or digital today.