Opened: December 27, 2013

Directed by: John Wells

Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Dermot Mulroney, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Misty Upham & Sam Shepard

Adapted from Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer-winning play, August: Osage County is a tour de force of performances that brilliantly mesh in this family drama.

Beverly Weston (Sam Shepard) goes missing, which prompts his daughter Barbara (Julia Roberts) to return home to her mother Violet (Meryl Streep). After Beverly is found dead, the entire Weston family gathers for the funeral.

This cast is truly stellar. Roberts and Streep are forces to be reckoned with and when their characters fight, it’s a fair battle. Similarly, the ensemble is rounded out by some of the industry’s greatest performers (seven of the 12 are Oscar nominees) and each one brings nuance to their roles.

Being contained mainly around the Weston house, the tension becomes a pressure cooker, and it’s a sight when it blows.

Final say: Watch even if just for the performances. ★★★★★