Trespass Against Us
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Uneven, violent drama about unlikable criminal family.
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What's the Story?
In TRESPASS AGAINST US, Chad Cutler (Michael Fassbender) is part of a well-known criminal family, but he wants to get away from the influence of his gangster dad, Colby (Brendan Gleeson), and take his own kids somewhere safe. They live in a ramshackle mobile-home park; Chad's wife wants to move to a real house, but he knows his father will object. Things get even more complicated after a big heist lands Chad on the most-wanted list, the kids get thrown out of school, and a landlord refuses to let them live in his house.
Is It Any Good?
This crime drama is an ultimately uninteresting story about a very unpleasant family. That's both surprising and disappointing, given the subject matter and cast. Yes, they're talented: As patriarch Colby, Gleeson is determined that his adult son remain part of his gang -- and it looks like he'd be happy to see his young grandson follow suit. Fassbender's Chad wants better for his wife and kids, but he doesn't seem to know how to make it happen, and watching the character struggle against his nature is tragic to see.
But we're given little reason to like anyone in Trespass Against Us, nor any reason to care what happens to them. In fact, given the atrocious parenting on display across multiple generations, some viewers might side with the cops and others who are trying to rein the Cutlers in, even though director Adam Smith clearly wants to make them the heroes of his film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Trespass Against Us. How does it compare to what you've seen in other movies about crime/criminals? What impact did it have on you?
How does the movie's criminal family compare to the gangs we've seen in other movies, from mafia classics like The Godfather to the U.K. drama Legend? Do you think it's possible for someone to get out of this kind of life, especially if they were born into it?
How is Chad trying to make sure his kids have a better upbringing than he had? How successful is he? Do you consider him a good dad?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 20, 2017
- On DVD or streaming: March 7, 2017
- Cast: Michael Fassbender , Brendan Gleeson , Lyndsey Marshal
- Director: Adam Smith
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: A24
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: pervasive language, some disturbing behavior and brief graphic nudity
- Last updated: March 29, 2023
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