The latest film from auteur Wes Anderson, Asteroid City, hit theaters in June, but recently it became available for Peacock streamers to watch at home. But just because it’s accessible to a wider audience now doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth your time.
Wes Anderson is a Storied Filmmaker
Students of film are certainly familiar with Anderson. The writer and director is famous for quick scripts with dry wit, spectacularly beautiful cinematography, and consistently casting the same actors in his films (Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray are just a few of his favorites). And while more casual film watchers might not know Anderson by name, they’ve undoubtedly heard of some of his most famous films, like The Royal Tenenbaums, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Each of those films is partially responsible for the reputation Anderson has built over his decades-long career – one that’s garnered him respect among his peers, critical praise, Oscar nominations, and a cinema style that’s wholly his and instantly recognizable. But where does his latest entry fit into Anderson’s filmography?
Asteroid City features all the elements you’d expect from a Wes Anderson film. It’s got a stellar cast including Schwartzman and Norton, as well as Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Liev Schreiber, Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum, Adrien Brody, and Willem Dafoe. There’s even a quick Margot Robbie appearance.
Asteroid City is aesthetically pleasing, with a highly specific palette that naturally infuses into the Southwestern setting of the film. And the script is what we’ve come to know and love from Anderson – fast dialogue from people who say what they mean and mean what they say. By all accounts, Asteroid City should be just as beloved an Anderson film as anything else on his IMDb. But it isn’t.
Asteroid City Lacks the Director’s Typical Appeal
There isn’t one particular aspect of Asteroid City that makes it less appealing than other Wes Anderson films, but rather a few underlying issues that when combined drag the entire film down. Yes, there’s an outstanding cast, but there’s a lot going on in the plot. With so many storylines and a less-than-two-hour run time, some of those actors feel unnecessary (namely Carell, who otherwise would shine in an Anderson film).
Steve Carell in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’
And although the cinematography is technically beautiful, it’s a little more sterile than Anderson’s other films. The plot is also, frankly, a little boring (partially because of the competing storylines and the too-short run time to feel sated by each of them), and the cast and cinematography aren’t enough to save it for most viewers.
Don’t get us wrong – Asteroid City is by no means a bad movie. The direction is clear, the characters are intriguing, and the performances are compelling. But this is a film for cinephiles and Wes Anderson fans. If you don’t fall into either of those camps, it’s not the film for you.
Asteroid City is streaming now on Peacock.