Jason Reitman is best known for directing intelligent and quirky comedies like Up In The Air, Juno and Thank You For Smoking. So when he takes on a drama about a single mother, her son and the convict that suddenly comes into their lives on a holiday weekend, it behooves us to sit up and take notice. That’s the subject of Reitman’s latest effort, Labor Day, which has two brand new trailers premiering today.
Based on the novel by Joyce Maynard, Labor Day stars Kate Winslet as Adele, a mother with an adolescent son (Gattlin Griffith) whose home is invaded by an escaped convict, Frank (Josh Brolin). Eventually, Frank becomes part of the household, bonding with the son and providing companionship for the mother as the true story of his crime comes forth.
The latest trailer for Labor Day provides little in the way of plot, but a lot in the way of mystery. There’s an edge of unease and uncertainty in the flashing images, with the somewhat overzealous soundtrack contributing in no small measure. What has become of the boy’s father, what is Frank’s true story, and how will it all come together? It’s an intriguing trailer that does its job by making me want to see more.
Labor Day only made a minor splash when it premiered at Telluride and Toronto, but it looks like an intriguing change of pace for Reitman, if he’s managed to pull it off.
Labor Day will open on Christmas Day. Check out the trailers below and let us know what you think.