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The Estate
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dark comedy about the rich is unrefined; sex, swearing, etc.
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The Estate
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What's the Story?
In THE ESTATE, George (Chris Baker) and his stepmother, Lux (Eliza Coupe), find their affluent lifestyle limited by the stinginess of George's father, Marcello (Eric Roberts). When they both become romantically entangled with an assassin named Joe (Greg Finley), it looks like they've found a solution to their cash flow problems.
Is It Any Good?
This intentionally trashy satire of misplaced priorities among the wealthy strives to be a "so bad, it's good" cult classic. And there's enough here that is good that it's too bad that it is, in fact, ultimately so bad. For one thing, it's still far too rare to see a gay male lead whose romantic life and loneliness are central to the story. And Coupe is phenomenal as a vapid gold digger who's no "dumb blonde." She elevates every unfiltered word that comes out of Lux's mouth, so natural and believable as a wealthy widow wannabe that it feels like she must be typecast (she's not). Her performance is, frankly, the only thing that makes this raunchy comedy watchable -- every scene without her drags. But, hey, the lighting, typography, and graphics are great!
Despite good production values, at times The Estate feels gratuitous in the way it ogles male bodies. What's more, the plot isn't original and doesn't deliver a satisfying comeuppance. And, aside from Coupe, the cast is barely competent, Roberts included. This film knows what it is, though, and gets a kick out of itself. Good comedy swings upward -- laughing at the stupidly rich is pretty safe ground -- but this comedy is more lewd than shrewd, and definitely not for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about "the male gaze" and how it's interpreted differently here than in many big studio movies. Think about how Lux is portrayed, even when she's in lingerie and trying to be alluring, compared to how the camera lingers on George and Joe.
The "eat the rich" genre has become popular (Parasite, Knives Out, Ready or Not, etc.). Do you think The Estate falls into that category? Is it more acceptable to make fun of the wealthy and powerful than the poor and downtrodden? Why, or why not?
The movie's screenwriter, who also plays main character George, is gay. Do you think it's important that people in underrepresented communities tell their own stories? Why is representation in the media important?
How are alcohol, smoking, and drug use represented? Are they portrayed as cool or appealing? Are there consequences for using them? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 22, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: October 22, 2021
- Cast: Chris Baker , Eliza Coupe , Eric Roberts
- Director: James Kapner
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Vertical Entertainment
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: sexual content and language throughout, some bloody violence, drug use and partial nudity
- Last updated: March 1, 2023
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