Beatriz at Dinner

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Violence    Drug Use    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens June 16, 2017

Runs 82 minutes

Beatriz (Salma Hayek) is a healer and masseuse. She feels very connected to Mother Earth and all of her creatures, both human and animal. She comes to the home of her wealthy client Cathy (Connie Britton) to give her a massage before an important dinner party she is hosting. When Beatriz's car fails to start, she is invited to stay for dinner. Once the other couples arrive - Shannon (Chloe Sevigny) and Alex (Jay Duplass), the young couple on the verge of making it to the top and Doug (John Lithgow) and Jeana (Amy Landecker), the wealthy older couple who represent everything Beatriz opposes, the fireworks begin. Beatriz sizes everyone up and after a few glasses of wine, she starts to question Doug about his beliefs and his business interests. Always cocky and sure of himself, Doug stands up to Beatriz. After all, the country needs the jobs and money he provides. But, Beatriz only sees the greed and destruction he leaves in his wake. As each drink is served, the party heads toward calamity as Beatriz and Doug clash. 

I thought the concept of this film was great. Salma Hayek has never been better. With her dowdy clothes and sturdy shoes, she is the polar opposite of her wealthy clients. John Lithgow is so good! He is arrogant and brash - he knows he is always right. Perfect! But, I have read that the film is supposed to be an allegory for the Trump era. Uncooth rich people who only care about getting richer, even if they must step all over the regular folks. I could see that a little. I guess I am just more of a capitalist. The fact that they have money also provides Beatriz with her job. She is successful in her own right so I didn't quite see why they angered her so much. The tension is electric. I was just waiting for the discussion to actually come to blows. I thought the ending was a little over the top. Otherwise, I really liked it. Top notch acting and a good story. Go see it.

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