X
  • 2013
  • Not Rated
  • Freestyle Digital Media
  • 1 h 23 m
  • 2013
  • Not Rated
  • Freestyle Digital Media
  • 1 h 23 m

Summary In 1970s suburbia, Maggie and her younger siblings spend the night telling each other stories in the attic. Downstairs, as their parents entertain guests over the course of a gin-soaked evening, truths are unearthed and betrayals come to light. With standout performances from John Hawkes, Molly Parker, and a cast of talented young actors...

Directed By: Julia Dyer

Written By: Gretchen Dyer

  • 2013
  • Not Rated
  • Freestyle Digital Media
  • 1 h 23 m
  • 2013
  • Not Rated
  • Freestyle Digital Media
  • 1 h 23 m

The Playroom

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
59
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Where to Watch

Summary In 1970s suburbia, Maggie and her younger siblings spend the night telling each other stories in the attic. Downstairs, as their parents entertain guests over the course of a gin-soaked evening, truths are unearthed and betrayals come to light. With standout performances from John Hawkes, Molly Parker, and a cast of talented young actors...

Directed By: Julia Dyer

Written By: Gretchen Dyer

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
59
36% Positive
4 Reviews
45% Mixed
5 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
59
36% Positive
4 Reviews
45% Mixed
5 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Feb 7, 2013
The Playroom captures the malaise of mid-’70s suburbia with a merciless accuracy not seen since Ang Lee’s 1997 film, “The Ice Storm.”
By Stephen Holden FULL REVIEW
80
Feb 5, 2013
The Playroom jettisons all things cute, but still takes flight by portraying the characters, adult and juvenile, under direct lighting, and asking you if you care about them.
FULL REVIEW
70
Feb 5, 2013
A rare example of a grown-up story compellingly told from the perspective of children, The Playroom is a modest gem.
By Frank Scheck FULL REVIEW
60
Feb 5, 2013
The precedent for a movie like this is Ang Lee’s bruised "The Ice Storm," but whereas that film sprung from a novel that burns with indictment, Julia Dyer’s effort — scripted by her late sister, Gretchen — is a more open-ended affair and slightly unsatisfying for it.
By Joshua Rothkopf FULL REVIEW
50
Feb 4, 2013
Lacking much in the way of character depth, the film attempts to fill the gap with melodrama.
FULL REVIEW
42
Feb 6, 2013
More than anything, The Playroom feels like an excuse to explore this retro house from a child’s point of view—which is perfectly okay, provided no one breaks the spell by talking.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
30
Feb 8, 2013
Between the loaded conversations and metaphors, and the phony overlay of a children's fairy tale, The Playroom can't stop telegraphing themes and interpreting itself. There's nothing left for the audience to do.
By Scott Tobias FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company One Mind Productions, Circle of Confusion, Ten96 Films
Release Date Feb 8, 2013
Duration 1 h 23 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline It's 1975. Do you know where your parents are?
Website https://www.facebook.com/theplayroommovie
View All Details

Awards

Chlotrudis Awards
• 1 Nomination

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