Downhill

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 14, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Will Ferrell as Pete Staunton
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Billie Staunton
• Miranda Otto as Charlotte
• Zach Woods as Zach
• Zoë Chao as Rosie
• Julian Grey as Finn Staunton
• Ammon Jacob Ford as Emerson Staunton

Director
Nat Faxon
Jim Rash

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Way Way Back (2013)
• The Descendants (2011) [Writer]
• The Heart (upcoming)

Producer
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Anthony Bregman
Jesse Shapira

Writer
Jesse Armstrong
Nat Faxon
Jim Rash

Budget
$10 million

Production Company
Searchlight Pictures
Likely Story
Filmhaus Films

Running Time
86 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Language
• Mild sexual content
• Brief drug use
• Themes of marital tension

Movie Story
“Downhill” is a dark comedy-drama that explores the unraveling of a marriage in the aftermath of a life-altering event. The film is a loose adaptation of the critically acclaimed Swedish film “Force Majeure” (2014) and shifts the story to an American family vacationing in the Austrian Alps.

The film follows Pete Staunton (Will Ferrell) and Billie Staunton (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a married couple who, along with their two sons, are on a ski vacation in the Alps. What starts as a picturesque family getaway quickly takes a turn when an avalanche threatens the ski resort. As the avalanche barrels toward them, Pete instinctively grabs his phone and runs away, leaving Billie and the children behind.

Although the avalanche turns out to be harmless, the emotional damage is done. Pete’s apparent cowardice and abandonment during the moment of crisis creates a rift between him and Billie. The film delves into the ensuing fallout, as the couple grapples with their shaken trust and the growing tensions in their marriage. Pete tries to downplay the incident, but Billie struggles to reconcile her image of her husband with the man who fled in fear.

As the vacation continues, the tension between Pete and Billie escalates, leading to awkward and painfully honest conversations about their relationship, their roles as parents, and their own insecurities. The film uses dark humor to explore the complexities of marriage, masculinity, and the expectations placed on individuals within a family unit.

“Downhill” is not a typical broad comedy but rather a more subdued, introspective film that balances humor with moments of emotional intensity. The awkwardness and discomfort in the couple’s interactions are both relatable and cringeworthy, as the film raises questions about how individuals respond to crisis and the fragility of relationships under pressure.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal, with the most notable sequence being the avalanche, which serves as the catalyst for the story’s central conflict. The effects are realistic, creating a tense moment that sets the tone for the unfolding drama.

Box Office Performance
“Downhill” received a mixed response from critics and audiences, with some appreciating its dark humor and performances, while others felt it did not live up to the impact of the original film, “Force Majeure.” The film had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $8 million worldwide.

Filming Locations

• Ischgl, Tyrol, Austria
• Vienna, Austria

Notable Quotes

• “I ran away in what I thought was an emergency. I’m sorry, I panicked.” – Pete Staunton
• “Every day is all we have, Pete. If that’s not enough, then what are we doing?” – Billie Staunton
• “You can’t just run away when things get hard.” – Billie Staunton

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Downhill” was directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who are known for their work on “The Way Way Back” and “The Descendants.” The directors aimed to balance the humor with the emotional complexity of the characters’ situation.
• The film was shot on location in Austria, capturing the stunning yet isolating environment of the Alps, which mirrors the emotional distance growing between the characters.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Downhill” is a nuanced and introspective dark comedy that offers a candid look at the dynamics of a marriage under strain. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, “Force Majeure,” the film is bolstered by strong performances from Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who bring depth and vulnerability to their roles. Fans of character-driven dramas and those interested in exploring the complexities of relationships will find “Downhill” to be a thought-provoking and engaging watch.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10