Meryl Streep plays a Pulitzer Prize winning author who’s invited to England for yet another prize. She invites 2 of her college friends (Candice Bergen and Dianne Wiest) plus her nephew (Lucas Hedges) to join her on a 7-day crossing on the Queen Mary 2. While on the seas, they interact (often obviously improvised). Even though this could have been a self-indulgent disaster, the combo of fine actors and Steven Soderbergh’s direction have created a plotless examination of several relationships that’s quietly compelling. Much of it was actually shot on the ship with waves passing by and passengers as extras. Since Soderbergh decided to shoot without lights, it’s constantly distracting to see windows reflected in Streep’s glasses, which blocks her eyes. Despite this semi-guerilla approach, the actors keep it mildly involving. A little indie experiment with big stars.
(3.5 / 5)