Landline
Landline

Movie spotlight

Landline

2020
Movie
3 min
English

A beefy boyfriend risks the ire of the dead by throwing out a cherished old rotary phone.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users53% liked it
Director: Gillian RobespierreGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Set in Manhattan in 1995, the film follows Dana, a young woman who discovers evidence that her father is having an affair. As she investigates, she ropes her two best friends into her scheme, while also dealing with her own romantic entanglements and a strained relationship with her mother. The story explores themes of family, fidelity, and the complexities of relationships.

Critical Reception

Landline received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its relatable characters, sharp dialogue, and nostalgic portrayal of the 1990s. However, some found the plot somewhat meandering and the tone inconsistent.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its witty and authentic portrayal of familial dynamics.

  • Praised for the strong performances, particularly from Jenny Slate and Isabelle Huppert.

  • Some critics noted that the film's narrative could be more focused.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's humor and character development, finding it a charming if not entirely groundbreaking exploration of family relationships. Some viewers felt the plot didn't always land and that it lacked a strong central theme.

Fun Fact

The film's setting in 1995 allowed the filmmakers to explore a pre-internet, pre-smartphone era of communication and relationships, using landlines and faxes as central plot devices.

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