Is National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

📖 The Core Premise

National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans stands as a 2012 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy, Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Anarchic, feisty but growing old, high society drop-out Judy Haussman remains in spirit with the Ashrams of the 1960s while holding court in her dilapidated Art Deco house on the Devon coast. After an operation, she's joined by wayward offspring Nick and Libby, sharp-eyed granddaughter Summer, local doctor Peter, and Daniel, a troubled teenager who makes use of the family's crumbling swimming pool. Together they share a few sweltering months in this chaotic world of all-day drinking, infatuations, long-held resentments, free love and failure."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Julie Walters attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 165 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.