Movie Reviews

In the latest movie by director Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild), Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds his life turned upside down after losing his wife in a car crash. But instead of starting to work through things, we get to witness Davis’ unraveling first-hand.

It starts with a complaint about a malfunctioning vending machine in the hospital that Davis comes across right after finding out his wife passed away. That complaint soon turns into a series of letters filled with personal admissions that find their way in the hands of customer service rep Karen Mareno (Naomi Watts). Davis then forms an unlikely connection with both Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), in spite of the two of them also having issues of their own. It’s through that connection that Davis starts to rebuild his life. After first tearing it down. Literally. Fridges, bathroom stalls, computers,… they all suffer a terrible fate under the hands of Davis.

Demolition could have easily turned out to be a very sentimental movie. Or a very bleak one. Yet it’s surprisingly lighthearted at times and comes with an off-beat sense of humor that is very welcome. Both Gyllenhaal and Lewis’ performance also make this one more enjoyable, turning Demolition in a movie well worth your time.