The Oranges

The Oranges is a thought-provoking, bittersweet comedy-drama released in 2011, directed by Julian Farino and starring a star-studded cast including Leighton Meester, Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Allison Janney, and Alia Shawkat. The movie skillfully juggles between various themes such as love, friendship, loyalty, regret, and forgiveness.

The story is set in a cozy community of West Orange, NJ, where two affluent families, the Wallings and the Ostroffs, are closely intertwined in more than one way. The story takes off when, at the annual Thanksgiving dinner, David Walling (Hugh Laurie) and Terry Ostroff (Oliver Platt) reveal that they have been having an affair. As expected, the revelation sends ripples of shock and disbelief among their families, especially their wives Cathy (Catherine Keener) and Paige (Allison Janney) and their children Vanessa (Alia Shawkat) and Nina (Leighton Meester).

While the fallout of the affair affects everyone, the brunt of it is borne by their daughter's best friend, Nina, and her father, Terry, who was also her longtime crush. To make matters worse, as the holiday season approaches, Nina and David start to develop feelings for each other, which further complicates things for everyone involved. The rest of the movie explores how they deal with these feelings, confront each other, and ultimately come to terms with what has happened.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is the way it portrays the characters. Each character is nuanced and multifaceted, with their own fears, desires, and insecurities, which makes them relatable and complex. Hugh Laurie's portrayal of David is particularly noteworthy. He is charming, witty, and vulnerable, with an endearing sense of humor that makes you root for him, even though he messes up badly. Catherine Keener, who plays his wife Cathy, is equally impressive. She brings warmth, depth, and quiet strength to her character that pulls your heartstrings.

Leighton Meester's performance as Nina is another highlight of the movie. She perfectly straddles the line between a rebellious teenager and a mature young adult, who is struggling to come to terms with her feelings for her best friend's father. Her chemistry with Hugh Laurie is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most touching and authentic in the movie.

The movie's soundtrack is another strong suit. It features an eclectic mix of classic hits, ranging from The Zombies' 'This Will Be Our Year' to Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Only Living Boy in New York' to The Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes,' which adds a touch of nostalgia and poignancy to the story.

Overall, The Oranges is a must-watch movie that offers a fresh and insightful take on love, friendship, and family dynamics. It is both funny and heartbreaking, and it navigates complex emotions with honesty and compassion. The movie will leave you with a lot to think about and a lasting impression.