I rarely choose films to see solely based on their buzz from film festivals during the year. This fits into that category perfectly.

The director has very little to drag the audience in. So from all the buzz, it was the story and Viggo Mortensen that was the hook.

Despite that, I was still pretty excited to see this as I know Mortensen is always great and the premise sounded really intriguing. I must say, I was pretty swept away by the general vibe of this terrific comedy drama.

From the very first shot of a gorgeous landscape, you are straight into this world that our main characters are living in. There's quite a few main characters to know. But they seem to introduce at the right time and you get given enough of an intro to care for them the next time they have a moment on screen. Also, they are given their own uniqueness to tell each one apart fairly easily which definitely made the overall experience seamlessly flow.

Not even halfway through the film, and already the life lessons this film is teaching us is pretty cool. The story is moving along so nicely, the characters are shining and the comedy works really well despite their being some tragic moments.
The execution of the final act overall was satisfying. However, there were some loose ends that I frustrated me and I wish they had explained that a bit more clearly. But I that can be mildly covered over as you can make your own assumptions and still make this a well-rounded story.

When a film can get me on board really early on, usually means that it will be something special. This did it pretty well. You totally understand our main characters point of view and it is fascinating to watch all the way through. Handling a mix of comedy and emotional drama looks tough to do and director Matt Ross and his team handled it perfectly. From its very funny moments to its tragic, and vice versa, and the transition worked every time.

Viggo Mortensen is astonishing in the leading role. His father figure is superb and really makes you remember how great of an actor he is and how he should be in more film. I would expect to see him within contention for the major awards.
Huge props to George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell as the kids as they were nothing short of phenomenal. They are all have their moments on screen and I would happily give an award to each of them. You feel as if they have been doing this for years.
While he did not have much to do, it was great seeing Frank Langella be part of this project.

The combination of the writing and acting is what made this film great. The script made this film be a real eye-opener. With the way it describes modern society and its general philosophical tone made everything anyone said in the film so meaningful and powerful at times. That consistency is certainly what is making this film separate the rest of the films I have seen this year so far.

As mentioned, I do have one very minor negative. A couple parts to the story in the final act never got settled or explained why certain characters ended up where they were. That may have been the thing that prevented from me giving an exceptional rating.

However, I will be shocked if this does not end up in my top 10 of the year list, maybe even the top 5. The acting and writing gives this film the leverage that it deserves and I hope it is enough to be recognised come awards season.
It has countless memorable scenes and the general viewing is long-lasting. Sadly, it is out on limited release. So check it out if you can if you are in the mood for something that is both heart-warming and very emotional.

Rating: 8/10