Review of Away We Go (2009) by Compi24 — 09 Sep 2020

This was always one of those movies that I felt stuck out like a sore thumb in Sam Mendes's filmography. It's not as if I feel he's above a movie like this, but when I think of Sam Mendes, I immediately think of his ability to deliver projects that are lofty in terms of scope, whether that loftiness is logistical (i.

E. "Skyfall" or "1917") or thematic (i.e. "American Beauty" or "Revolutionary Road"). After watching "Away We Go," I can confirm that this definitely feels like the only movie in Mendes's filmography where his presence is wholly inconsequential.

However, that doesn't make this a trying watch by any stretch. This feels like if Noah Baumbach snuck onto Sam Mendes's set and ghost-directed this movie on his behalf. The winning elements here are the screenplay by true-to-life partners Dave Eggers and Vandela Vida, and the charming lead turns from both John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph.

Through each scene, you're presented with winsome humor, sweet chemistry between the leads and some truly profound insights into the many approaches one can have towards building a family. No tears were shed or anything, but as someone approaching a period of my life not unlike the one depicted here, I found it appropriately thought-provoking.