Convinced that something needs to change, Anders Hill (Ben Mendelsohn) quits his job in finance, which he describes as a “system of monstrous greed.” He doesn’t need more toys or bigger houses. But he doesn’t seem to know what he does need. A trailer for Nicole Holofcener’s latest has dropped. “The Land of Steady Habits” sees Anders struggling to find purpose in life after divorcing his wife (Edie Falco) and leaving his career behind.
Asked what he’s been up do, Anders claims he’s keeping busy with charity work, but it’s painfully clear that he’s lying. He “spends his days looking for things to decorate his empty shelves, sleeping with strangers, and feeling terribly lost,” according to the Netflix pic’s official synopsis.
The spot sees Anders drunkenly entering his ex-wife’s house and eating a Popsicle, seemingly trying to find comfort in what — and who — he said goodbye to. “You’re the one who wanted out. So get out,” his ex says.
Meanwhile, Anders’ son (Thomas Mann) is “a little bit angry and rude” — just like his dad. He too is floundering.
“The Land of Steady Habits” is based on the 2014 novel of the same name.
“I was drawn to the story for many reasons,” Holofcener told us in a soon-to-be-published interview. “I loved reading about a world I really knew nothing about — the precious enclave of Westport and the some of the repressed people who live in it. Men really wear shorts with little whales on them? Let me in! The movie is very much about fathers and sons, and family dynamics in general intrigue me,” she explained. “I would never come up with this story, or even feel drawn to such upsetting themes but there it was, ready to go, and for some reason I wanted to go there. The book had great scenes that I couldn’t wait to shoot, and that’s usually a sign that I want to get involved.”
Holofcener’s previous films include “Enough Said,” “Friends with Money,” and “Walking and Talking.” On the small screen, she’s directed eps of “One Mississippi,” “Orange Is the New Black,” and “Parks and Recreation.”
“The Land of Steady Habits” is making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival September 12 and drops on Netflix September 14.
