Downhill (I) (2020) User Reviews

bad remake

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 29 May 2020]

Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Pete Staunton (Will Ferrell) are on an Austrian ski vacation with their two boys. Charlotte (Miranda Otto) is the sex obsessed resort manager. Something happens which puts doubt into the Staunton marriage.

This is an American remake of the great film, Force Majeure, by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund. It has been rewritten and directed by comedic actors, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. They have become a great filmmaker duo following two poignant films with nice comedic touches; The Way Way Back and The Descendants. This one is a great disappointment. As a remake, this is an utter failure. It takes the unsaid and say it out loud. It takes the regular life and makes it wacky. While there are some compelling moves, this keeps feeling wrong.

I try to envision not watching Force Majeure first and imagine watching this with virgin eyes. I don't know who came up with Charlotte but she seems to inhabit a wacky Will Ferrell comedy. I do not like Otto's accent or her character. The movie is trying to be wacky and then like an avalanche, it tries to be serious. It can be funny and serious but wackiness can often clash. In the big overarching premise, it's trying to be a wacky ski comedy from the 80's with a gigolo ski teacher and a swinging manager. It doesn't need it and doesn't want it. There are moments that intrigue me. I didn't really like Zach and Rosie except one moment at the end of the scene where Rosie is looking at Zach. I like the resolution of Billie and Pete but it goes a step too far. That's this movie at its core. I like a lot of it but it always goes one step too far. I hate Charlotte and the movie would be far superior without her. Overall, this has some moments but it keeps getting it wrong.

Bland, slow, boring.

[MartyMarrT · 4/10 · 1 April 2020]

Ugh, boring. Acting: bland and boring. Plot: bland and tired. Nothing in this film is worth talking about positive, oh wait there is...the ending....

The Hollywood remake of Force Majeure that nobody asked for...

[paul-allaer · 4/10 · 17 February 2020]

As "Downhill" (2020 release; 86 min.) opens, we get to know the Staunton family: Pete and Billie and their two boys have just arrived in the Alps for a ski vacation. The next day after some morning skiing, they head out for lunch on an outside terrace. Then a controlled avalanche goes wrong and comes barreling down the mountainside, straight towards the terrace. Just before it reaches the terrace, panic ensues and Pete grabs his phone and runs, leaving Billie and the kids. After the snow hits the terrace, everyone is okay, but Billie and the kids are in shock. And where is Pete? At this point we are 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from co-writers and co-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who previously brought us the excellent "The Way, Way Back". Here they remake the 2014 Swedish film "Force Majeure", which garnered worldwide attention and acclaim. Eventually Hollywood announced a remake, starring Will Ferrer and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. My big fear was that the remake would be done as a comedy. If you've seen "Force Majeure", you know that it is anything but a comedy. The good news is that "Downhill" is not an outright comedy, although there are certainly funny bits in it. The bad news is that it's simply not a great film, and it outright pales compared to the original. The worst of it is that, whereas the original was a 2 hr. movie looking at the complicated consequences of the avalanche incident, the remake runs short of 1 1/2 hr. and even then it doesn't focus nearly enough on the consequences of the avalanche incident. Instead the movie makes some diversions that go nowhere and are irrelevant to the core of the film. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (as Billie) tries to save the movie, and almost does, giving a terrific performance, but in the end it's not enough. Will Ferrell is horribly miscast as Pete, I mean what were the movie makers thinking? Kudos for the photography, which is eye-candy from start to finish, as well as for the original score, courtesy of Volker Bertelmann (a/k/a Hauschka). Bottom line: "Downhill" is the Hollywood remake of "Force Majeure" that nobody asked for.

"Downhill" premiered at last month's Sundance film festival to ho-hum reaction, and is now seemingly rush-released into theaters. The movie opened wide this weekend and the Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at here in Cincinnati was attended so-so (about 12 people). If you haven't seen "Force Majeure", don't waste your time and money on "Downhill" and seek out "Force Majeure" instead. If you have seen "Force Majeure", there is no point, none whatsoever, to see "Downhill", but hey don't take my word for it and check it out, be it in the theater, on VOD or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

Not a Comedy

[tsdennison-63370 · 2/10 · 22 February 2020]

I thought this was a comedy. It is not. Also, it is not a drama. It's like watching a home movie with two people who don't really love, or like, each other very much. And then nothing happens. Two of my favorite comedic actors are in this bucket of boredom and that makes me sad.

PLEASE See The Original

[shark-43 · 1/10 · 21 July 2020]

The original was everything this tired remake tried to be - clever, real, insightful, darkly funny, uncomfortable, human. So please see the original film. It truly captured what a marriage is like that now has a crack in the foundation. They never should have made this flick. If Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus wanted to make a comedy about a vacation gone wrong, go ahead. But leave FORCE MAJEURE alone.

Skip this and watch "Force Majeure" (2014)

[leezureworld · 1/10 · 5 February 2020]

As the other user review suggested, this film has already been made, it's called "Force Majeure" and it's outstanding.

It's a complete ripoff of "Force Majeure" without any apoligies. "Downhill" lacks the character and emotional depth of "Force Majeure", plus it's sorely miscast in every way.

If you're at all interested in "Downhill", do yourself a favor and watch "Force Majeure" instead.

Enjoyable, as long as you know upfront it's primarily not a comedy

[2001ASOfan · 7/10 · 14 February 2020]

First, and most importantly, know this is not a comedy, it's a serious, purposefully slow-moving character study with a few very funny, even laugh-out-loud moments. Knockout scenery (and if you've ever been a skier you'll be craving time on the slopes immediately after viewing), this is the kind of film that inspires wanderlust, but some will find it too subtle and quiet. I liked it, but there were elements that bugged the heck out of me, especially the non-development of the two sons as important characters--they remain blank stares and mysteries for the entire film. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is very good here, Will Ferrell good but mostly one-note: The film is definitely given a shot in the arm by actors in supporting roles. Overall a recommended watch if you enjoy character studies where simple, subtle facial expressions and body movements are as important as dialogue.

Forget this remake. Look for the original

[leo-lagos · 1/10 · 13 May 2020]

Not funny nor dramatic. Lazy remake of a great European movie. Look for the oroginal

Not for escapism

[Gordon-11 · 31 March 2020]

This film tells the story of a family holiday going desperately wrong.

I guess people expect this to be a comedy, but it in fact is a drama that involves a lot of bickering and negativity. It's not a bad film, just not necessarily what people want to watch for escapism.

Don't expect a comedy

[captaintetanus · 7/10 · 29 November 2021]

So long as you don't go into this with expectations that it's a comedy because of the actors involved, it's a good movie. It has a message and it's well done. Women will probably like it more than men, though men and women both could benefit from the message. Both lead roles are equally very well played. It addresses very real situations that most of us have been in. Not a feel good movie, but it makes you think about people and family and real relationships. I liked this movie.

Not a single enjoyable minute

[matthew_weiss_53151 · 1/10 · 4 March 2020]

Joyless and boring. I couldn't wait for it to end.

It's not a comedy, and it's great

[sara-giuffrida · 9/10 · 22 October 2020]

If you go into this expecting a comedy you will be disappointed. As a married woman, with children, I found this movie to be beautiful. It's real, raw and uncomfortable. I find the harsh reviews to reflect a total misunderstanding of this movies intent.

Apparently IMDB voters don't like realism

[kevinmorice · 7/10 · 1 April 2020]

One of the most realistic portrayals of a relationship that has been committed to screen. Maybe IMDB expects something different from JL-D and Will Ferrell and the lack of hilarity is affecting the voting. And maybe the characters around them trying to add comedy to what is otherwise a fine character piece makes it more obvious that they are not playing the comedy roles that they are so famous for. But there is actually very little wrong with this film as a solid piece of dramatic cinema.

Dreadful

[perogy4 · 3/10 · 15 February 2020]

I feel badly for Julia Louis-Dreyfus because her character is so unlikeable, in a movie that's equally unlikeable. Like watching a slow motion train wreck. Wish I could have that 90 minutes of my life - and my money - back. 3 stars, only for the scenery.

It goes Downhill fast

[Jared_Andrews · 3/10 · 7 May 2020]

Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are two of the most talented and successful comedy actors in recent decades. Nat Faxon and Jim Rash form a Oscar-winning writing duo capable producing moving, thoughtful work full of heart and humor. Force Majeure, the film on which "Downhill" is based, is a powerhouse of picture, one of effective dark comedy and pungent drama. With all these forces seemingly playing in favor of "Downhill," it seemed like the movie was an inevitable hit.

So, why did it whiff so miserably?

A major issue with the film is its lack of subtlety. None of the characters' flaws or any of the developing sources of conflict are unveiled with any level of showmanship. They're clumsily slapped onto the screen with the same level of delicate touch that a toddler uses to finger paint. The only difference is what the toddler creates will ultimately be colorful and show signs of life.

Another massive flaw (I'll stop with two since I don't need belabor the point with excessive cruelty) is the apparent fear that went into the writing. All the punches were pulled. There are so many moments that walk right up to the edge of making an emotional impact, delivering laugh, or doing something of worth, but they cautiously pull back before completing the mission. We're left with an empty feeling at every turn.

For those who are unfamiliar with the film's premise, the plot revolves around a mom and dad who take their two kids on a ski vacation. During an avalanche that takes place while the family is sitting at the café table, dad runs away, leaving his family helpless and alone. It turns out the avalanche was controlled and posed no real danger, unbeknownst to the vacationers. Dad returns to his trembling family and acts as though nothing happened. Mom is ticked.

It's a rough look for dad, as he has lost the respect of his wife and kids. He proceeds to make excuses and deny responsibility for what happened. So, mom takes the atrociously bad advice of a concierge at their ski resort and decides to "live her best life" or something like that. Evidently, her best life includes breaking the fidelity of her marriage and touching herself in a bathroom stall. To each their own I suppose.

Mom's exploration of her true desires could have been funny and revealing. Eventually, one would assume, she would learn the error of that way of living. But she never learns that lesson. Instead, the movie simply abandons that plotline after 15 minutes or so. Oh well, her best life would have been a first round elimination at the best life qualifying tournament. Not much interesting stuff going on with her.

Mercifully, the movies sputters to a halt after a weakly realized pseudo-reconciliation for the family. Then, because the writers weren't quite finished firing blanks, the final scene orchestrates a scenario similar to the avalanche from early in the movie. This time, mom, dad, and the other adults involved all fend for themselves. The point exactly of this moment is unclear. It'll leave audiences everywhere shrugging as the credits roll and they turn to person next to them and exchange a look that says, "I'm sure glad that's over."

Why would Hollywood remake a perfectly fine film? Why?

[marco-grix · 1/10 · 26 January 2020]

This film already exist, and it's excellent. Simply look for "Force Majeure (2014)" or "Turist (2014)" -- same film but different title in different countires. It places people in a somewhat unexpected, yet perfectly realistic, situation and shows how their lives gradually implode in the aftermath. It shines a light on ordinary human weaknesses, and how pathetic many of us really are. It forces the viewer to reflect upon their own strengths and weakness: what woud YOU have done? And it does it really well. Why whould anyone see the need to remake this? And with as terrible an actor as Will Ferrell, of all people? Is Hollywood really so desperate, having no original ideas of their own anymore? That's just ridiculous. I'd encourage each and every potential viewer to avoid this pitiful copy and watch the original instead. Boycott is the only way to force Hollywood to stop with this nonsense. No more recycling! Grow a pair and take some chances, make new things!

I wished I was killed in the avalanche!

[son-of-odin · 1/10 · 17 February 2020]

I am fifty years old. This was the WORST movie that I ever saw. It was depressing and even stressful at times. I couldn't leave early or even fall asleep. I was desperately waiting for any form of redemption... it never came. Save your time and money see anything else but this!

Worst movie we've seen in years of Friday night dates.

[rbeetcher · 15 February 2020]

Torture watching this movie. Would have walked out but my wife liked the Austrian mountain ski scenes. Nothing else about this movie was worthwhile. It struck me as a movie where the stars agreed to do it to support a family member who was trying to get into movie production but had no experience and no skill.

Run or Fight

[westsideschl · 6/10 · 28 July 2020]

I think most research on what happens when people witness a crime as to whether to intervene or stay away is that most would stay or walk away. But what happens if it's family and there's no time for decision making. What are the percentages for either of those innate reactions? So in this case you & your family are suddenly faced with a life threatening avalanche. Personally, I would have liked the script to pursue that angle more and less of the family squabbles.

Dreadful adaptation

[JLPDX · 2/10 · 29 October 2020]

Why? Horribly executed adaptation of the brilliant Force Majeure. Ferrell and Dreyfus play a boorish ugly - American couple on ski holiday in Europe. Could we ask for any more inane American and European clichés? The otherwise wonderful JL Dreyfus should be supremely embarrassed to show her face in this stinker. Don't bother. Watch the original.

a mainstream remake

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 13 February 2020]

Greetings again from the darkness. Overwhelming apprehension. That's the feeling I had walking into the theatre for the Americanized re-make of one of my top 10 favorite movies from 2014 ... FORCE MAJEURE. Sure, it's common practice for U.S. filmmakers to farm international cinema for "new" projects, but when they mess with the really good ones, I can't help but feel nervous to the point of dread. A sliver of hope existed since this new version was co-written (along with Jesse Armstrong, creator of "Succession", and Oscar nominated for IN THE LOOP) and co-directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, the creative forces behind THE WAY WAY BACK (2013).

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell star as married couple Billie and Pete. Along with their two teenage sons, they are on an Austrian ski trip meant to help Pete get through grieving his father's death, and bring the family closer together. If you have seen the original or the trailer, you know what happens next. Pete's reaction to a near catastrophic event creates a divide between him and the family ... especially Billie, who is left shaken. This part is all quite similar to the original film, yet this version is different in so many ways.

Casting two brilliant comedic performers in the lead sends a strong signal that humor will play a role, and that the exceptional gravitas from filmmaker Ruben Ostlund's FORCE MAJEURE will be softened somewhat. Both of those points hold true. However, surprisingly, this re-make manages to still generate some of the shaken-to-the-core emotions that come from having trust broken in such a startling manner. Ms. Louis-Dreyfus is especially strong here, and carries a much heavier load than Mr. Ferrell. As she is balancing her shock, frustration, and anger, while still attending to their equally shaken boys, Mr. Ferrell is relegated to spending much of the film wearing a wounded puppy look as he attempts to move on without addressing the issue.

Adding to the comedy elements are Zoe Chao ("The Comeback") and Zach Woods ("The Office") as Pete's friends who get drawn into the fracas. Miranda Otto takes a break from her usually dramatic roles to play Charlotte, a wacky resort employee whose personality is a bit out of step with normalcy; although her zaniness succeeds in preventing the weight of the event from crushing Billie. Fans of the original will recognize Kristofer Hivju, who plays a resort security advisor this time. Another difference is that the kids (Julian Grey, Ammon Jacob Ford) play a bigger role in the family dynamics and fallout.

It's clear that filmmakers Faxon and Rash set out to purposefully make a more mainstream, accessible movie than the Swedish version. The film remains effective at generating conversation about survival instinct and protecting one's loved ones. It should be mentioned that this is not a typical Will Ferrell movie, and anyone expecting Frank the Tank, may only be pleased with one brief scene. Instead, this is about a man coming to grips with how his actions affected his family, and even his view of himself.

So bad!

[richdick-96105 · 2/10 · 2 January 2021]

Wow what an annoying film! Not a comedy ( not funny) not a drama ( not entertaining). Appalling script and casting. Miranda Otto what were you thinking? Put simply......don't waste your time. I very rarely bother giving a bad review but this film should come with a warning!

Unexpected Realness

[jerryalvarado51 · 9/10 · 15 April 2020]

I thought it was a comedy. It wasn't. I thought it was a drama. It wasn't. Regardless of the genre, it felt like a real view into a genuine marriage relationship. There was some cringe (that missing glove scene!), humor, and a romantic moments.

Overall, I enjoyed the film. It made me enjoy Will F. And as always, I adored Julia.

Not as bad as the reviews

[manutd-81340 · 7/10 · 3 October 2020]

Little surprised with the low ratings. This is a very dry, dark humor movie, that crosses into drama. If you don't like Ferrell or JUlia, you won't like this. Found it very enjoyable, especially with Miranda Otto and her character. Cringe worthy, and some parts were very funny.

Awkward bickering...

[syholl · 2/10 · 3 April 2020]

Have you ever been round to another couples house, and they start bickering and sniping at each other in front of you. It's not a nice feeling, you feel awkward and don't know what to do...! That's this film in a nutshell, why would anybody want to watch that...?