Heavy Weather
Over the course of five seasons, this film chronicles a young woman's rise to power within a tempestuous all-female office. Employing elements of fantasy, realism, drama and satire, much of the story takes place in the confines of an oppressive looking steel and glass skyscraper owned by a powerful insurance company. Though the office is populated only by women, the place seethes with tension due to office politics and the personal turmoil suffered by the employees, something that the beautiful and outwardly ruthless office supervisor Carabosse does her best to ignore. When the ever business-like Carabosse finally gets promoted, she appoints Agate (the story's true protagonist) as her successor. Power corrupts and it does not take long for the compassionate Agate to transform into a copy of Carabosse.
Insights
Plot Summary
A quirky and dysfunctional family gathers for a reunion at their crumbling estate in the English countryside. Patriarch Bob has recently remarried a much younger woman, much to the chagrin of his adult children, who are all dealing with their own personal crises. Tensions rise as old resentments surface and secrets are revealed, all set against a backdrop of eccentric behavior and witty dialogue.
Critical Reception
Heavy Weather received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised its witty dialogue and strong performances, particularly from Joe Mantegna and Ann-Margret, many found the plot to be uneven and the humor occasionally forced. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding the film's blend of comedy and drama to be unbalanced.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and solid performances from its ensemble cast.
- Criticized for an uneven tone and a plot that felt underdeveloped.
- Some found the humor to be hit-or-miss, leading to a less cohesive viewing experience.
Google audience: Audiences were divided on 'Heavy Weather'. While many appreciated the sharp writing and the performances of the lead actors, a significant portion felt the film lacked focus and didn't quite land its comedic or dramatic moments effectively. Some viewers found it amusingly eccentric, while others deemed it a misfire.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a novel of the same name by Dorothy Dunnett, though it deviates significantly from the source material.
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