The Nest (2020) is a psychological drama directed and written by Sean Durkin. The film features a stellar cast, including Jude Law, Carrie Coon, Charlie Shotwell, Oona Roche, and Adeel Akhtar. Set in the 1980s, the film explores the breakdown of a family as they confront the dark side of ambition and deceit. The plot revolves around an English businessman who relocates his family to the United States in pursuit of wealth, only to discover that his dreams of success are more fragile than he anticipated.

The movie opens with a sense of unease as the audience is introduced to Rory O’Hara (Jude Law), a charismatic but flawed entrepreneur, and his wife, Allison (Carrie Coon). Rory, eager to return to the lifestyle of his youth, convinces Allison and their two children to move from their comfortable suburban life in the U.S. to an opulent mansion in the countryside. Rory’s goal is to reinstate the lavish wealth he once enjoyed in England, but his obsession with financial success soon leads to disastrous consequences for his family.

As the family settles into their new, expensive home, it becomes clear that Rory’s grand plans are not as stable as he initially promised. His business ventures falter, and the façade of prosperity begins to crack. His overconfidence and refusal to acknowledge the growing tension in his relationships with Allison and the children create a toxic environment. Allison, a woman with her own personal ambitions and dreams, begins to question Rory’s leadership, and the cracks in their marriage widen.

The central conflict of the film revolves around the unraveling of Rory and Allison’s relationship. While Rory desperately tries to maintain control over his family and his business, Allison slowly becomes aware of the emotional and financial instability that Rory’s actions have created. Her character undergoes a quiet transformation as she finds the strength to confront her own desires for independence and self-fulfillment. Carrie Coon’s performance is particularly powerful, capturing the inner turmoil of a woman torn between loyalty to her family and the need to protect her own well-being.

The film’s visual style contributes significantly to its atmosphere of tension. The empty, sprawling mansion in which the family resides serves as a metaphor for their emotional isolation. The cold, cavernous spaces contrast with the warmth of the family’s initial optimism, highlighting the growing emotional distance between the characters. The cinematography, combined with a minimalist score, intensifies the feeling of impending doom, emphasizing that Rory’s ambitions will ultimately lead to his downfall.

In conclusion, The Nest is a haunting exploration of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of human relationships. Through its compelling performances, particularly from Jude Law and Carrie Coon, and its atmospheric direction, the film presents a chilling portrait of a family on the brink of collapse. It forces the audience to reflect on the cost of chasing success at the expense of personal happiness and emotional connection. Ultimately, The Nest is a poignant reminder that material wealth can never replace the deeper needs of love, trust, and emotional security.