

The Dinner
Story about two brothers and their wives, and the interactions between them and their two high school age children. When the kids get into serious trouble together, how will the parents relationships change with and among each other? Will the parents protect the kids or force them to face the consequences of their actions?
Insights
Plot Summary
Two couples, brothers Stan and Paul Lohman with their wives Claire and Barbara, meet for dinner at a fancy restaurant. As the evening progresses, it becomes clear that they are there to discuss a terrible incident involving their teenage sons. The parents grapple with the moral dilemma of whether to protect their children or expose them to the consequences of their actions.
Critical Reception
The 2014 film adaptation of "The Dinner" received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised the performances of the lead actors and the film's attempt to tackle dark subject matter, many found the pacing slow, the tone uneven, and the overall narrative unsatisfying. The film struggled to live up to the critical acclaim of the novel it was based on.
What Reviewers Say
- The film is often too ponderous and self-important.
- Performances are generally solid, but can't save the narrative.
- The moral questions raised are compelling but ultimately fall flat.
Google audience: Google users expressed disappointment with "The Dinner," citing a slow pace and an unsatisfying story. While some acknowledged the strong acting, many felt the film was ultimately forgettable and failed to deliver on its premise.
Fun Fact
The film "The Dinner" is based on the acclaimed 2009 Dutch novel of the same name by Herman Koch, which has been translated into over 20 languages.
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