Review by Ceri Wheeldon
When Nick is fired from his job and returns home to find that his wife has not only left him, but changed the locks, placed all his possessions on the front lawn and put a block on their joint bank accounts, he is forced to face up to some cold hard truths.
Having fallen off the wagon once too often, he is forced to confront the gravity of his situation. He also has to come to terms with being replaced at work by a much younger employee.
The film is thought provoking. Finding himself effectively having to live on his front lawn, the only way he can do so legally and avoid arrest is to hold a garage sale. Nick has to come to terms with how he has arrived at his current situation, and what belongings from his past have any place in his life.
The film is gentle story about survival and priorities in life. Nick’s only real support comes from a young boy who helps him to run the sale and a new neighbour who has her own life issues to resolve.
All in all I enjoyed the film – possibly because Everything Must Go has come at a time when I myself am in the process of downsizing, and having to decide what material possessions really have any meaning and are to be kept and which are to go.
I had only really thought of Will Ferrell as a comedy actor, but pleasantly surprised by his performance, I was lucky enough to be present while he was being interviewed about his career in film. He came across as a warm, down to earth individual, and far better looking in person than he appears to be on screen!
I found Everything Must Go quietly thought provoking. One that makes you reflect on your own values in life.
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