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I love me some ensemble dramas, and August: Osage County does not disappoint — even if it does hit a little too close to home for comfort… but then whose life isn’t affected by drugs and closeted skeletons these days? Three sisters and their motley crew of significant others converge with other family members after their patriarch goes missing. The siege becomes an intervention when the eldest daughter (Julia Roberts) decides its time for dear old mum (Meryl Streep) to go off her many, many pain pills. This kind of story, where tragedy brings estranged people together to reveal secrets and overcome them, has been done many times, but it doesn’t matter. These characters conceived and written by Tracy Letts live and breathe — fully fleshed, fully flawed, fully human, funny, sad, everything. They’re us, and I was enraptured by them. And there’s rarely a cast this incredible to animate such characters. I know it’s old hat to praise to Streep, but Jesus — the woman is at the top of her game here, creating a character who is both wounded and terrifying, fierce but darkly comedic. Roberts is up to the task as Streep’s primary sparring partner, while Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale give the most memorable supporting performances. With Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Shepard, Dermot Mulroney, and Abigail Breslin. Based on the play by Tracy Letts. Directed by John Wells.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress (Meryl Streep), Best Supporting Actress (Julia Roberts)