The Glass Castle (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Glass Castle (2017), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is a poignant and powerful drama adapted from Jeannette Walls’ best-selling memoir of the same name. The film offers a raw and emotional portrayal of Walls’ unconventional and often turbulent upbringing, exploring themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of personal dreams despite overwhelming adversity.
Plot Overview
The Glass Castle follows the life of Jeannette Walls (played by Brie Larson), a journalist who recounts her tumultuous childhood and strained relationship with her parents. The film alternates between her present life as an adult and flashbacks to her formative years.
- In the Present: Jeannette is a successful journalist engaged to a supportive partner (played by Woody Harrelson) and striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. However, her life is disrupted when her parents, Rex (Woody Harrelson) and Rose Mary Walls (Naomi Watts), show up in New York City, homeless and in need of assistance.
- Flashbacks: The film delves into Jeannette’s early years, characterized by extreme poverty and her parents’ unconventional lifestyle. Rex, a charismatic but deeply flawed man, dreams of building a “glass castle” — a metaphor for his grandiose but unrealistic aspirations. Rose Mary, an eccentric artist and writer, supports Rex’s dreams but struggles with practical responsibilities, leaving the children to fend for themselves.
The narrative explores Jeannette’s experiences growing up in a nomadic and unstable environment, moving from one dilapidated home to another. Despite the chaotic circumstances, Jeannette and her siblings (played by Ella Anderson, Sadie Sink, and Chandler Head as younger versions) form a tight-knit family unit, learning to survive and find solace in each other’s company.
Themes and Analysis
The Glass Castle tackles several significant themes:
- Family Dynamics and Dysfunction: The film provides an in-depth look at the complexities of family relationships, particularly the impact of parental behavior on children. The Walls family’s dysfunction and instability are central to the story, highlighting the contrast between Rex’s idealistic vision and the harsh realities faced by his children.
- Resilience and Survival: Jeannette’s journey is one of resilience and self-reliance. The film portrays her determination to overcome the obstacles imposed by her upbringing, emphasizing the strength and resourcefulness required to build a better life despite significant challenges.
- The Pursuit of Dreams vs. Reality: Rex’s obsession with building the glass castle symbolizes his grandiose dreams and inability to face reality. The film contrasts his lofty ambitions with the practical needs of his family, exploring the tension between dreams and the often harsh demands of life.
- Forgiveness and Understanding: As an adult, Jeannette grapples with her feelings towards her parents and the impact of their choices on her life. The film delves into the process of coming to terms with past grievances and finding a path to forgiveness and understanding.
Performance and Direction
Brie Larson delivers a compelling performance as Jeannette Walls, capturing the character’s emotional depth and resilience. Larson’s portrayal adds a layer of authenticity and empathy to the story, making Jeannette’s experiences and struggles relatable and impactful.
Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts provide powerful performances as Rex and Rose Mary Walls. Harrelson’s portrayal of Rex is both charismatic and deeply flawed, reflecting the complexity of his character. Watts brings a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Rose Mary, capturing her artistic spirit and the struggles of balancing her ideals with practical responsibilities.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s adaptation of The Glass Castle effectively translates the memoir’s raw and emotional content to the screen. Cretton’s direction maintains a balance between the film’s dramatic and poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The film’s cinematography, by Brett Pawlak, captures the stark contrasts between Jeannette’s present life and her tumultuous past. The use of color and lighting enhances the emotional tone of the film, while the score by Joel P. West complements the narrative’s highs and lows.
Where to Watch The Glass Castle (2017) Online
For those interested in watching The Glass Castle (2017), several streaming options are available:
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, allowing viewers to stream or download it for offline viewing.
- Apple TV: The Glass Castle can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, supporting high-definition streaming on various Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film may be available for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, with streaming accessible on Android devices, Chromecast, and via the web.
- YouTube Movies: The Glass Castle can be rented or purchased on YouTube Movies, offering a convenient option for watching on smart TVs or mobile devices.
- Hulu: The Glass Castle is occasionally available on Hulu, making it accessible to subscribers who prefer streaming over renting or purchasing.
- Vudu: Another platform where The Glass Castle might be available for rental or purchase is Vudu, which often hosts a variety of popular films.
Conclusion
The Glass Castle (2017) is a moving and thought-provoking film that provides a compelling adaptation of Jeannette Walls’ memoir. With strong performances from Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts, and effective direction by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film offers a raw and emotional look at the complexities of family life and personal resilience.
The availability of The Glass Castle on various streaming platforms ensures that audiences can easily access this powerful and engaging film. Whether you are interested in autobiographical dramas, stories of personal triumph, or character-driven narratives, The Glass Castle provides a memorable and impactful viewing experience.
