Review of David Robert Mitchell’s ‘The End of Oak Street’

In the movie “The End of Oak Street” by David Robert Mitchell, the setting features a cul-de-sac with a telephone pole surrounded by radiating wires, evoking a circus tent. This imagery mirrors the film’s fast-paced, theatrical style.

Summer movies often thrive on chaos. Set in the 1980s, “The End of Oak Street” captures this energy without relying on obvious homage. It channels a lively, blockbuster atmosphere fit for a drive-in viewing. Mitchell, known for the 2014 film “It Follows,” offers a different kind of spectacle this time.

The film centers on a suburban family from the 1980s. Their neighborhood mysteriously travels through time. Mitchell manages to make any indulgence in “The End of Oak Street” enjoyable for the audience. The film’s premise revolves around the Platts, an all-American family exhibiting subtle signs of discord.

Denise (Anne Hathaway) and Greg (Ewan McGregor) live in a seemingly typical neighborhood. They face personal struggles and secrets. Greg works as a pizza delivery driver, while Denise writes a novel about leaving her family. Their children, Audrey and Brian, sense trouble at home.

Mitchell’s storytelling nods to Spielberg, blending sci-fi and familial themes. Despite this, the film embraces horror, absurdity, and humor, with dinosaurs making unexpected appearances. The Platts’ suburban life transforms into a prehistoric world, reminiscent of a “Twilight Zone” episode.

Instead of sending characters to an island, Mitchell brings dinosaurs to suburbia. The film highlights encounters with prehistoric beasts in everyday settings, offering “good dumb fun” and dramatic, cheer-worthy moments. The sincerity in character development sets the film apart.

The performances, especially Hathaway’s, ground the characters amid CGI-fueled scenarios. Composer Michael Giacchino complements this with music echoing John Williams. Despite adhering to classic adventure tropes, Mitchell injects unique quirks, like Audrey seeking solace in music during intense moments.

The film doesn’t delve deeply into themes but unites characters dealing with hidden fears. The film’s swift descent into chaos might symbolize ecological disasters. Yet, the characters’ resilience shows they can handle more than anticipated, even amidst absurd challenges.

This all results in an engaging, modern family adventure with darker twists. Mitchell masterfully sets the film in suburbia, a familiar yet unpredictable setting. “The End of Oak Street,” released by Warner Bros., is rated PG-13 for intense content. Running at 99 minutes, it earns three out of four stars.