Accidents Happen
Accidents Happen

Movie spotlight

Accidents Happen

2009
Movie
92 min
English

There are dysfunctional families... and then there are the Conways. After a family tragedy, 15-year-old Billy Conway has become the de facto glue between his bitter mom, distant brother, and stoic dad. But when Billy starts to act out, everything changes for him and his family

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users67%
Director: Andrew O'YoungGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In the aftermath of a tragic car accident that claims the lives of her husband and three sons, a suburban mother struggles to cope with her grief and the emotional distance she feels from her remaining family. As she attempts to rebuild her life, she must confront her own feelings of guilt and denial while navigating the complexities of love, loss, and forgiveness.

Critical Reception

Accidents Happen received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While some praised its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly from Geena Davis, others found the film's tone uneven and its exploration of grief occasionally sentimental. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some connecting with the film's portrayal of resilience in the face of tragedy, while others found it to be a difficult or somber watch.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Geena Davis's powerful performance as a grieving mother.

  • Noted for its sensitive exploration of loss and family dynamics.

  • Criticized for an occasionally uneven tone and sentimental leanings.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be an emotionally resonant and well-acted drama, appreciating its portrayal of a family dealing with immense tragedy and finding strength in each other. Some viewers found it to be a bit slow-paced or emotionally heavy, but the overall sentiment leaned positive.

Fun Fact

The film's screenplay was inspired by a real-life event experienced by the screenwriter, Karen Croner, where her family was involved in a serious car accident in which her husband and son were killed.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

I would have rated this movie lower and, indeed, perhaps not even finished watching it, if it weren’t for the performance of Geena Davis. That makes sense, because she was the reason I gave it a try at all. Ms. Davis excels at portraying qu...

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