The film opens in Suburbicon, a groundbreaking 1950s subdivision. Then we see two shocking events: A black family moves into this smugly complacent, white-bread neighborhood; and a shocking home invasion upsets the delicate balance. Things quickly come undone.

 

George Clooney ("Leatherheads") directs this suspenseful drama, written by an able quartet comprised of Joel and Ethan Coen ("Hail, Caesar!"), plus George Clooney ("The Monuments Men") and Grant Heslov ("The Ides of March"). Based on their frequent collaboration and terrific track record, you can expect to giggle as you are horrified but you will also have an involving plot that is easy to follow. And you will be saddened by the blatant racism that was so taken for granted during those times.

 

Part of Clooney's cast:

 

• * Matt Damon ("The Martian") We watch Gardner unravel as pressure starts to build on him and his family.
• * Julianne Moore ("Wonderstruck") Margaret and Rose are twins. One is wheelchair bound while the other seems like a buttinsky so we keep an eye on her.
• * Noah Jupe ("Wonder") Nicky is the heart and soul of this movie. This observant little boy listens, watches, wonders, then fears for his life.
• * Tony Basaraba ("The Accountant") Uncle Mitch always asks, "Who loves ya?"
• * Karima Westbrook ("The Rum Diary") Mrs. Mayers is the first to take the brunt of the rampant racism. 
• * Leith M. Burke ("The Tiger Hunter") Mr. Meyers watches the neighborhood and wonders if they are back in Mississippi.
• * Tony Espinosa ("Birth of a Nation") Andy Meyers is willing to play catch with Nicky... and share his unique pet.
• * Vince Cefalu ("Silicon Valley") Chuck surprised me, usually cops are portrayed as a bit dense.
• * Oscar Isaac ("Star Wars") Roger is an insurance claims adjuster. He watches for red flags. I didn't trust him...I think it's the hat.

To me, one of the outstanding features was the production design: Vintage vehicles, Franciscan china, Avocado bathroom fixtures, Green Stamps, full-skirted shirtwaist dresses, TV antennas on every roof, and those prices in the supermarket window!

 

This is R-rated, so expect shocking violence, gunfire and blowie uppie stuff. At one point I was afraid director Clooney was a bit too generous with his foreshadowing until I realized by having the audience in on a scheme, we were on tenterhooks waiting for the payoff. We clearly have people to root for, so the suspense is high. At final curtain, the screening audience applauded. I'll probably own this one.

 

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This is the trailer that hooked me:
http://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi876001561
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