Downhill product reviews

Yet another film that Hollywood has decided to remake for the American people, Downhill is based on the 2014 Swedish film, Force Majeure, and even finds itself filming on location in the same country of Austria. With a premise that is more inspired by Family Guy or The Simpsons, a father's actions in the face of danger leaves him uncertain of his position in his own family.

I mention Family Guy and The Simpsons because this is the typical sitcom family; the loving yet bumbling and neglectful husband, then there's the neurotic, nagging, high-strung wife, and the two kids that are more plot device than their own developed characters. It speaks to the level of originality the audience is to expect from this feature. While comedic elements are still present, it is important to note that this is by no means the usual Will Ferrell style of comedy, Downhill has a much lower quantity of physical humour, and is not above creating fully dramatic moments.

It is this variability that is the saving grace of the film, allowing the audience to see a variety of situations and emotional responses to the premise, highlighting the personality traits and flaws in both of our main characters (played by Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus).

Louis-Dreyfus provides the majority of the tension, and for good reason. Dealing with anger and resentment towards the absent "pillar" of the family, Louis-Dreyfus continually sets the stakes, as her partner's reliability and trustworthiness called into question. Ferrell, on the other hand, sticks to his usual role of comic relief, soundly of the "show must go on" and denial mentality as he dodges around the topic of his own cowardice; clearly affected but not willing to confront the turn of events, his behaviour quickly becomes erratic and over-compensatory.

Only his second feature film set for theatrical release - his previous film being The Way, Way Back in 2013 - Nat Faxon has yet to really carve his own directing style. There are a couple of tense moments that really to the spotlight on Faxon's flair for the dramatic, but they are few and far between, with the remainder of the film being composed of the predictable formulaic sitcom-style comedy. There was an opportunity to take the film in a really dramatic direction, and to that end, Will Ferrell was a poor choice in casting. Not only does he create a false impression of the style of the film, but he reduces the impact of the premise when the "abhorrent behaviour" is something that is expected of an over-the-top Ferrell character.

Thematically, Downhill is all about that family dynamic and dealing with a scenario where the masculinity and ego of the father figure have been disrupted. It calls into question a train of thought that goes through many a parent's mind; when children are such a significant part of their lives, what are they sacrificing for that? What remains of their unique personality and character traits if you remove parenthood from it? It is a thought that leads many into mid-life crises, buying cars, bikes, and extravagant holidays to regain their lost sense of freedom and discovery.

For the most part, Downhill proposes a premise and explores two contrasting responses in a way that feels balanced, and grounded. It creates scenarios for our primary protagonists to learn and grow through, but Faxon doesn't have the determination to see it through to the end, creating a very one-sided affair. There are many supporting characters and events that could have created more drama - with more originality - but non-vital aspects are swiftly disregarded after use and events are snubbed in order to force a specific ending.

Downhill is a very familiar film, and there comes a comfort along with that. A capable comedy-drama with a few impactful moments, Faxon hasn't yet learned how to trust his audience - removing all facets of subtlety with unnecessary expository dialogue - but still manages to formulate an enjoyable outing.