Wakefield

Wakefield is a 2016 American drama film directed and written by Robin Swicord. The movie is based on an E.L. Doctorow short story of the same name, and it stars Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Garner, and Victoria Bruno.

The film revolves around Howard Wakefield (Bryan Cranston), a New York-based successful lawyer who seems to have it all: a beautiful house, a loving wife named Diana (Jennifer Garner), two daughters, and a successful career. However, on his way home from work one night, something strange happens, and Howard decides to disappear without a trace.

Instead of going home, Howard decides to secretly live in his attic, spying on his wife and daughters from afar. He watches them as they go about their daily business, and he starts to learn things about them that he didn't know before. He sees Diana struggle with her new role as a single mother and watches as his daughters grow up without him.

As Howard continues to watch his family from the attic, he starts to question his own life and the choices he's made. He wonders if he's missed out on something, if he's wasted his life, and if it's even possible for him to go back to his old life. He's not sure if he wants to go back, but he's also not sure if he wants to stay hidden forever.

The film is a slow burn, and it's shot in a way that allows the audience to get inside Howard's head. We see the world from his perspective and get a sense of what it's like to be isolated from society. The movie's pacing is deliberate, and it takes its time to build up tension and drama.

One of the standout performances in the film is Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Howard Wakefield. Cranston manages to capture the character's inner turmoil and deliver a nuanced performance that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. His portrayal of Wakefield is both sympathetic and unsettling, and he manages to showcase his range as an actor.

On the other hand, Jennifer Garner's portrayal of Diana Wakefield is also excellent. Although she has a limited amount of screen time, she manages to convey the struggles of a woman who's trying to hold her family together after her husband's sudden disappearance. Garner's character is sympathetic, strong, and relatable, and she's able to hold her own against Cranston's powerhouse performance.

Victoria Bruno, who plays one of Howard's daughters, has a small but significant role in the movie. Her character is smart, sassy, and perceptive, and she manages to steal a few scenes from her co-stars.

Overall, Wakefield is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of family, regret, and the human condition. The movie is beautifully shot, and it's a testament to the power of good storytelling. Although it's not an easy film to watch, it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of character-driven dramas.