A Short History of Decay

Name: A Short History of Decay
Genre: Comedy
Released: May 16, 2014
Duration: 94 min
Rating: 54

2014

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Mixed or average reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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A Short History Of Decay

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Movie Details & Credits

Paladin | Release Date: May 16, 2014 | R

Summary: A dark comedy about stepping up when your parents are going downhill; a love letter to anyone who's ever been a caregiver for someone who raised them.

Director: Michael Maren

Genre(s): Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 94 min

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Critic Reviews

David Edelstein

May 15, 2014

Not a lot happens, and yet, as in the best so-called “slice of life” stories, you feel one way of life ending and another struggling to be born. The little that happens is enough. Read full review

Steve Erickson

May 13, 2014

For the most part, A Short History of Decay triumphs over its pretensions. Read full review

Kyle Smith

May 14, 2014

Rookie filmmaker Michael Maren’s script isn’t deep, but it’s heartfelt without being sticky, suggesting that the best way to deal with aging parents is to savor every tender frustration while you can. Read full review

Nicolas Rapold

May 15, 2014

Despite Mr. Maren’s own ample experience as a writer, the references to book culture don’t feel vivid enough to act as more than scene-setting, and the film’s strength lies in the family relationships. Read full review

Frank Scheck

May 20, 2014

Although more than a little meandering and self-indulgent, the film is likeable nonetheless thanks to its incisive characterizations and canny capturing of true-life moments. Read full review

Elizabeth Weitzman

May 15, 2014

Nathan’s neurotic self-indulgence strains our patience. Read full review

David Ehrlich

May 15, 2014

A stagnant portrait of the degradation that envelops those fortunate enough to live so long, the film desperately tries to mine sweetness from the banality of life’s endgame, but the falseness of its bittersweet storytelling only accentuates the misery. Read full review

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