Alexander Payne makes his anticipated return this year with Nebraska, the brilliant follow-up to last year’s Oscar-winning The Descendants.
Payne’s leading star this time around, Bruce Dern, has been abuzz with critical acclaim since the film’s Cannes debut – you can read our review here. And now Paramount has released two new character profiles for Dern and June Squibb, his on-screen wife, who stars opposite him as the rather feisty Kate Grant.
After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America.
Will Forte’s performance as the duo’s son, David, is nothing short of brilliant, and certainly worthy of going to the Oscars alongside Dern. And completing the cast nicely is Bob Oderndirk and Stacy Keach. A new featurette for Forte’s David Grant is set to debut on Monday, so be sure to check back to see it when it hits.
Payne is directing from a script by Bob Nelson, who makes his feature debut with the black and white comedy-drama.
Nebraska is expanding its limited release in the US this weekend, and will continue to do so in successive weeks, with its UK release set for 6th December.
