The Dinner

The Dinner is a 2017 film adaptation of the Dutch novel of the same name by Herman Koch, directed by Oren Moverman. The movie stars Steve Coogan, Richard Gere, Laura Linney, and Rebecca Hall in the key roles. It is a tense thriller revolving around two couples who meet over dinner to discuss a heinous crime committed by their sons.

The film begins with middle-aged couple Stan Lohman (Richard Gere) and his wife Katelyn (Rebecca Hall) arriving at a restaurant for dinner with Stan's brother, Paul (Steve Coogan), and his wife, Claire (Laura Linney). The couple's attempt at making small talk is cut short when it's revealed that their sons have committed a horrific crime that has gone public.

Stan is a powerful politician while Paul is a history teacher suffering from depression. Paul's wife, Claire, is controlling and anxious, while Katelyn is caring and empathetic towards others. As the dinner progresses, the tension rises as the couples try to come up with a plan to protect their sons from being prosecuted for their actions.

The film takes place entirely at the restaurant, with flashbacks revealing the complexity of the relationships between the couples and their sons. Throughout the dinner, the conversations get heated, and the couples are forced to confront their own ethics and beliefs. They each have different opinions on the situation and the morality of their children's actions, leading to some intense arguments and confrontations.

The cinematography is mostly limited to the tight space of the restaurant but is well executed to maintain interest in the conversations. The camera often switches between the couples' faces, highlighting their reactions and emotions, adding to the tension and drama of the story.

Steve Coogan's performance as Paul is a standout, bringing a depth of emotion to the role. He portrays Paul's insecurity and despair effectively, leaving the audience sympathizing with his character's internal conflict. Richard Gere is also impressive as the high-powered politician, and Laura Linney delivers a controlled performance as the anxious and controlling Claire. Rebecca Hall's portrayal of Katelyn brings an added warmth to the film, offering a sense of compassion that is desperately needed in such a tense movie.

The film deals with themes of the limits of familial loyalty, the nature of culpability, and the conflict of personal vs societal ethics. It focuses on how far people are willing to go to protect their loved ones and the immoral decisions they make in the process. The narrative structure keeps the audience guessing and builds suspense throughout the film, culminating in a gripping conclusion.

In conclusion, The Dinner is a gripping and emotive thriller that delicately balances the complexities of its characters and their morality. The cinematography and performances add to the overall tension of the film, culminating in a heart-wrenching, yet wholly satisfying, conclusion. The film deconstructs the facade of an upper-class, successful lifestyle, revealing a darker side of human nature. It is a must-watch for fans of tense dramas.