The film This Is Where I Leave You is a heartwarming and humorous dramedy that delves into the lives of a dysfunctional family forced to reunite and confront their complicated relationships and individual crises.
Core Premise
The story unfolds when the four adult Altman siblings — Judd, Wendy, Phillip, and Paul — return to their childhood home in upstate New York after the passing of their father. Their father's dying wish was for his entire family to sit Shiva for seven days, a traditional Jewish mourning period. This unconventional request forces the often-estranged siblings, along with their outspoken mother and various spouses and ex-partners, to live under one roof for an entire week.
Key Themes and Family Dynamics
During this week of forced proximity, the film explores:
- Grief and Loss: The family grapples with the death of their father, each member processing it in their own unique and often challenging way.
- Unresolved Issues: Decades of buried resentments, unspoken truths, and sibling rivalries come to the surface, leading to both hilarious and poignant confrontations.
- Personal Crises: Each sibling is dealing with their own set of life problems, including:
- Judd's recent discovery of his wife's infidelity and the collapse of his marriage.
- Wendy's dissatisfaction with her marriage and rekindling of an old flame.
- Paul's struggles with his marriage and the family business.
- Phillip's aimless life and his surprising relationship with an older woman.
- The Meaning of Family: Despite their squabbles and eccentricities, the film ultimately highlights the enduring bonds of family and the journey towards acceptance and forgiveness.
Adaptation and Availability
Based on the bestselling novel by Jonathan Tropper, This Is Where I Leave You was released as a film in 2014. While the original question referred to it as a "Netflix series," it is indeed a feature film, and it has been available for streaming on platforms like Netflix in various regions. The movie provides a candid and often comical look at the complexities of family life, proving that even the most chaotic families can find comfort and connection in times of sorrow.
