Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Serenity (2019)

7

MarkHReviewsFeb 5, 2019

“Serenity” deserves real interest and support. Not because it’s a perfect movie – very few are, this one certainly is not. It deserves attention for playing with genre stereotypes and nudging boundaries in a truly interesting way.

In 2013,“Serenity” deserves real interest and support. Not because it’s a perfect movie – very few are, this one certainly is not. It deserves attention for playing with genre stereotypes and nudging boundaries in a truly interesting way.

In 2013, Writer/Director Steven Knight was applauded for “Locke.” In that film, with the exception of the opening scene, all the action takes place inside a car during a long drive to London. In “Serenity,” Knight spends the first half of the movie putting a blockbuster cast through its paces to set up a fairly conventional film noir. He then spends the remainder turning the genre inside-out, offering a bit of existential introspection (do any of us truly know anything?) and providing some thoughts about the consequences of domestic violence.

Presumably because of the film’s lofty aspirations, Knight has been able to assemble a powerhouse cast. Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a dissolute fishing boat captain, traumatized by war and seeking solace at the end of the world. Soon enough, his ex-wife (Anne Hathaway) arrives with a typically noirish proposition: if Dill will take her abusive husband (played powerfully by Jason Clarke) on a one-way fishing expedition, Dill can have the husband’s $10 million in ill-gotten gains. Diane Lane makes an odd appearance as a very-part-time love interest and neighborhood watch lady.

McConaughey’s performance, which carries the film, is a slow burn. Early on, he is portrayed as a man burying his anger, trauma, resentment and pain in booze, with all the enigmatic enthusiasm he brings to selling Lincoln Navigators. As the plot develops (thickens, curdles, insert your own verb here), McConaughey’s intensity ratchets up appropriately, to a very satisfying climax.

Busting genres is not for the faint of heart. Professional critics have generally savaged this film. In my view, they are wrong. This is a very imperfect film. Beyond Baker Dill, none of the characters are developed in a meaningful way. The existential “reveal” in the middle of the film offers an array of thematic options, none of which are pursued fully. Despite its failures, this movie deserves a thoughtful, engaged audience. These days, films waste too much time playing it safe - too many superheroes, too many mind-numbing sequels. There are too few films that, like “Serenity,” are willing to take real chances.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

JoeCoolMar 31, 2019

The first half hour of the movie is definitely slow, but the around the half hour mark things get interesting. At around the hour you know there's more to this movie than meets the eye, ultimately turning into a movie that's actually quiteThe first half hour of the movie is definitely slow, but the around the half hour mark things get interesting. At around the hour you know there's more to this movie than meets the eye, ultimately turning into a movie that's actually quite brilliant, if it weren't for the last 5 minutes which I thought were unnecessesary, but I managed to look past that.
I did thoroughly enjoy watching this movie and that's what it's all about. I'm not going to throw out any spoilers here, you have to see it for yourself and decide whether these professional critics know their stuff or are just going through the motions, all saying pretty much nothing at all. Then again, movies that are even a bit spiritual often get a red flag from a lot of critics for reasons unclear to me. I'm glad I saw this movie and plan on seeing it again.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

TVJerryJan 29, 2019

What starts as a sultry film noir (albeit with some rather pretentious writing) gradually turns into a disappointing dive into absurdity. Matthew McConaughey plays a troubled fisherman who's obsessed with a particular tuna. Along comes AnneWhat starts as a sultry film noir (albeit with some rather pretentious writing) gradually turns into a disappointing dive into absurdity. Matthew McConaughey plays a troubled fisherman who's obsessed with a particular tuna. Along comes Anne Hathaway as a blonde femme fatale to make him a tempting offer. He seems to be enjoying this over-the-top opportunity, while she stresses her sultry style. It's obvious that things are pretty amiss pretty early, but once the mystery starts to reveal itself, things get downright dumb. The only thing to recommend this movie is that McConaughey flashes a lot of flesh.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

Compi24Jan 26, 2019

Writer director Steven Knight takes one of the biggest swings I've ever seen a filmmaker take in a single film, ultimately crafting one of the only movies I've ever seen that I still can't entirely place. Is this movie truly horrificallyWriter director Steven Knight takes one of the biggest swings I've ever seen a filmmaker take in a single film, ultimately crafting one of the only movies I've ever seen that I still can't entirely place. Is this movie truly horrifically conceived, with any perceived moments of genuine enjoyment coming from random, happenstantial, and ironic luck? Or is all of this intentional, with Steven Knight's prolific, Academy-Award-nominated mind soaring high above those of us who just can't understand his genius? I have no idea, but I will say this - I had a blast watching "Serenity." And, because I still can't tell what I think about it, I'll try my best to come up with the most reliable composite of my heart's genuine reaction and my brain's honest opinion of this as a functioning piece of cinema. The ending result is as listed above. But you have to see this for yourself in order to adequately absorb the wacky audacity of the story at hand here.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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3

KeithDowJan 25, 2019

Despite some alluring cinematography and an all-star cast--including Matthew McConaughey--the film is far from alright, alright, alright.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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0

GinaKJan 30, 2019

I can’t remember the last time I saw a film as bad as this one. I went because I thought it was going to be an unpretentious film with nice scenery and two “stars” I have enjoyed before – Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey. I just wantedI can’t remember the last time I saw a film as bad as this one. I went because I thought it was going to be an unpretentious film with nice scenery and two “stars” I have enjoyed before – Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey. I just wanted to be entertained. Instead I felt like I was trapped in an absurd metaphor for hours on end. What a disaster!… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

hugoferreiraJan 25, 2019

It's a bold move from Steven that apparently didn't appealed to the critics that applaud some other empty movies (like "oscar nominee" Black Phanter), but ok the review is about Serinity. The movie it's very weird and the movie should endIt's a bold move from Steven that apparently didn't appealed to the critics that applaud some other empty movies (like "oscar nominee" Black Phanter), but ok the review is about Serinity. The movie it's very weird and the movie should end around 10 min before then it actually does (Steven's fault here). However, at the same time is bold, innovative and surprisingly refreshing. The first half of movie you wanna go home and think why? just why? but the second half you are there "oh! wow!" that was pretty cool. It's a well conceived nowadays thriller. This 39 score from critics, seriously? Maybe if Karen (Anne Hathaway) was a black woman beaten by her white husband or Patrick was a poor, not understood, gay boy the score would be around 90.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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8

team8800Jan 25, 2019

Great movie,if you were raised without father,it will hit you to the heart.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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4

EntertainValueFeb 2, 2019

Sort of glum and the plot twist made you think "ah, come on, this was going ok and you ruined it with stupidity."

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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3

RochyrochMar 26, 2019

This movie is like Plan 9 from outer space, so bad and just insane you kind of have to watch it to see how bad. It starts off like a cheap film noir crossing the old man and the sea with double indemnity and right when you think thats as madThis movie is like Plan 9 from outer space, so bad and just insane you kind of have to watch it to see how bad. It starts off like a cheap film noir crossing the old man and the sea with double indemnity and right when you think thats as mad as it can get it throws you over a cliff. No spoiler, just watch and go insane… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

BantarificFeb 2, 2019

This is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, butThis is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, but it's quite easy to see past with some critical thinking. Of course, it's always possible that all the symbolism and metaphor was completely coincidental, and that the internal logic of the film is entirely non-existent. But try to think a little bit deeper and you too might figure out that maybe we shouldn't take the film's "absurd plot twist" at face value...… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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3

namelessJan 28, 2019

The trailer was intriguing. I always enjoy McConaughey. The ride wasn't so bad but every time Hathaway appeared the continuity was gone.... nothing believable. She really can't act outside of her stereotype. If you like McConaughey it isn'tThe trailer was intriguing. I always enjoy McConaughey. The ride wasn't so bad but every time Hathaway appeared the continuity was gone.... nothing believable. She really can't act outside of her stereotype. If you like McConaughey it isn't that bad. Just be prepared.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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0

foxgroveMar 11, 2019

'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a different film, and two Oscar winning stars on board this should have at least been journeyman work. Unfortunately, it can't even be called a good bad film. It's just very bad. McConaughey is not the only one in the dark with regards to the silly and baffling plot. He, along with Anne Hathaway as a somewhat down trodden femme fatale give the worst performances of their careers egged on by the appalling screenplay. Matt mugs shamelessly and Anne is borderline hysterical throughout. One pities poor Diane Lane, usually so poised and elegant, but who here just manages to maintain a semblance of dignity by being mercifully underused. Probably the worst film you will see all year. You have been warned.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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1

BrianMcCriticFeb 2, 2019

The newest entry in the museum of all time fun bad films (as it sits next to The Book of Henry)is Serenity. This movie is a blast and never in a good way, Matthew McConaughey is all over this role in more ways than one. Diane Lane I reallyThe newest entry in the museum of all time fun bad films (as it sits next to The Book of Henry)is Serenity. This movie is a blast and never in a good way, Matthew McConaughey is all over this role in more ways than one. Diane Lane I really don't know what you were doing and Anne Hathaway and Jason Clarke must have been drunk when they read this script. All I could think about was Lloyd Braun (from Seinfeld) saying Serenity Now Insanity Later!! Overall a low 1 an F!!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

JLuis_001Mar 4, 2019

I'm quite surprised that Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway agreed to be part of this film. Especially McConaughey who came from a very good run since 2010 and in recent years has caught himself in extremely forgettable films despite hisI'm quite surprised that Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway agreed to be part of this film. Especially McConaughey who came from a very good run since 2010 and in recent years has caught himself in extremely forgettable films despite his remarkable commitment to the roles he has been playing.

This film is very strange and the script is grossly uneven and full of twists that feel ridiculous and to some extent unnecessary.
In some way it has some interesting points but they don't save or redeem it and therefore it ends up being a quite forgettable film and irrelevant for all those involved.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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2

amheretojudgeJan 30, 2019

A Compromise For Everyone.

Serenity Knight's ultimate and evident thirst of contributing a jaw dropping thriller to the history of cinema, is admirable; he has attempted few other such genre concepts earlier too, his fascination over thatA Compromise For Everyone.

Serenity

Knight's ultimate and evident thirst of contributing a jaw dropping thriller to the history of cinema, is admirable; he has attempted few other such genre concepts earlier too, his fascination over that one big moment won't allows him to hover around some other genre. But admiration can get you only so far, for on terms of merit, it wouldn't even qualify as a definite film, in its entirety. After that big horn blows and the curtain drops which Knights has clearly been excited about, the question of its existence starts raising up and piling up, what sounds like a mere discussion is fabricated into a provoking exotic thriller. I can understand the work that Knight poured into the storytelling, it is clearly visible, he has been mature about his secret, he doesn't leave it till the last moment, he attempts to pin down a metaphorical satire of being- among all other possible being- a human.

He has made sure that before the scrutiny hits big on screen, there are enough elements spread around to have a firm grip over his audience and enough quirkiness to make you sit back on your sit. Clearly, using all his guns directed towards these aspects, he lost the practicality among the world or the conversation which let's be honest film relies upon in its early stages. And not that these conversations are chalky but pretentious.

There is one thing to be aware of viewers' expectation on contradicting or questioning the plot and another to voluntarily be blatant about it; too much of anything, especially this, will spoil it. Armed by a brilliant cast, the performance comes off to be the most disappointing experience of all. With none whatsoever commitment or conviction on portraying such edgy characters does any cast comes off even slightly appreciative. Personally, I am amazed by the performance, from both Hathaway and McConaughey.

If these incredibly talented artists has given us some of the best work of their career, they have also managed to give us the worst, without holding back, now this is a range not everyone can cover. Whispering with a smooth voice throughout the film, no matter how irrelevant, McConaughey can and does own that body languages, but Hathaway desperately trying to join in the club, fails so vigorously, that it aches you to go someone through this.

The other supporting cast like Lane, Clarke and Hounsou are mere pawn of a narration that acts accordingly, like a flat rigid chess pieces with no urge to express. What's worse above all, is that we can clearly see what Knight was going for but how is it coming across like and him being not able to scoff off that difference is not at all affordable. Unfortunately, there is nothing to look back and pick out as even comparatively a better part of a film, no matter what we might think, soaking wet McConaughey doesn't count as one. Is there any serenity in Serenity, yes, it will end after an hour and a half, as opposed to what it may feel like.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

NothingReviewsFeb 18, 2019

Three things

Funny, Bad, Funny again It's one of those movies which is so bad it's good. It has a poor script which makes it hard to believe these characters. Performances from Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway feel very cartoonish andThree things

Funny, Bad, Funny again

It's one of those movies which is so bad it's good. It has a poor script which makes it hard to believe these characters. Performances from Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway feel very cartoonish and this is very disappointing because I loved Matthew for Dallas Buyers Club which he did won an Oscar. This is the worst movie that Matthew and Anne had ever had in their career. However, I'm going to say that this is really funny because of the performance and script. Too many cliches, Cinematography is average at best and the plot twist didn't really shock me as much.

Watch this film with your friends with a couple of beers and I would recommend it for so bad it's a good movie.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

lcamoviereviewsApr 19, 2019

Where to begin on this one. That is the question, Well, let me first begin by saying I saw the trailer for this film a few months back and found it to be very intriguing. The premise looked interesting. It had McConaughey and Hathaway. IWhere to begin on this one. That is the question, Well, let me first begin by saying I saw the trailer for this film a few months back and found it to be very intriguing. The premise looked interesting. It had McConaughey and Hathaway. I expected a nicely crafted thriller. Sadly, that’s not what we got. The film begins with fisherman, Baker Dill, on a fishing venture with drunks looking for some tuna. All of a sudden, a big catch presents itself and Baker goes nuts for it. He wants this big catch because he is chasing this imp-articular fish. I was thinking there was something in his past that was causing this. Not the case. Anyway, he is so obsessed with getting it that he points his knife at his customers and goes out with the intent everyday to get his catch, no matter what it takes to get the money for gas and lures to do it. Even sleeping with a local woman, Constance, played by Diane Lane. Things get more mysterious when Baker’s ex wife, Karen, played by a wasted Anne Hathaway, shows up and wants him to take her current husband on a fishing trip to kill him because of his abusive ways. From the sounds of all this, it seems like a straight ford story that could have some twists along the way. That is what initially sold me. Unfortunately, that’s not what we get. There is a twist but a very poor one with a disappointing explanation. Before I get into the why, let’s talk about the cast. McConaughey plays the role just fine. He pulls off the drunken and disturbed, Baker Dill, with conviction and purpose. He fit the role well and his portrayal had be curious as to what was going on until the poor twist near the middle of the film. Anne Hathaway is just wasted here. It is almost like she is too good for this role and it shows. She is used here as no more then a sex puppet and goes around just seducing both men and comes off just too much like eye candy. The reason I say she is wasted is because this character does not have many layers to it. I thought when we had the scene with her new husband showing up and abusing her that more layers were to come but it never did. Diane Lane is just OK here. She is not given much to do other than to have sex with Baker to give him money, watch him through a window, and tell him about her missing Cat. Everybody else in the film feels more filler and along for the ride. Without me going too far into spoiler territory, there is a scene in the middle of the film where a businessman following Baker around finally gets to talk to him. We are told he is selling him fishing equipment for him to try but he knows what Baker’s plan is for killing Karen’s husband the next day. Something is off about him and this is where the problem is and where the film officially lost me. His reasoning and the explanation for the whole film sounds crazy and that’s because it is. It provides the whole driving force of the third act and becomes wholly predictable. At this point, I lost interest in the film because it was so ridiculous, I no longer cared to what was going to happen. The ending makes sense but the issue remains that the whole film just feels odd, the story wasted, and a weak payoff with no peaking point. The only positive thing I can take away from the film is McConaughey’s performance. All in all, this film was just too disappointing for me to recommend. The story and resolve are just too odd and I can’t forgive how much Hathaway is wasted because she is just too good of an actress for this.

Grade: D+… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

NikolayGMay 28, 2019

I thought to myself, "Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, together! What could go wrong?" A bad script, that's what. Why these two, not to mention Diane Lane - 3 of my favorites! - agreed to act in this ridiculous nonsense is anyone'sI thought to myself, "Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, together! What could go wrong?" A bad script, that's what. Why these two, not to mention Diane Lane - 3 of my favorites! - agreed to act in this ridiculous nonsense is anyone's guess. Do not waste your time on this movie. And to the actors I say - Next time, think before you sign. The one star I give is for the quality of the acting, which is as good as in any movie that has one of these actors or actresses in it. There is no fault on their part except for their bad judgment in accepting this project.

The movie starts with Matthew living on a Martha's Vineyard style island, obsessed with catching a certain fish. It's like Moby Dick but there is no reason given for his obsession. At first I thought the fish killed his son, but that turned out not to be the case. He simply had no motivation to be so possessed by this single-minded goal. It was literally the only thing that mattered to him in life, in addition to a little casual sex.

SPOILER BELOW - It's the only way to explain why the movie is so bad.

HERE COMES THE SPOILER

Don't read any further if you don't want the SPOILER.

IMMEDIATELY BELOW IS THE SPOILER

It turns out, he's obsessed with catching this fish because he is a character in a computer game about catching fish. A little boy is controlling him on his laptop. THIS IS NOT A PRANK. It's TRUE!!! Stay away, far far away, from this joke of a movie!!!… Expand