The Lears 2017
Carl Bessai's daring modern adaptation breathes fresh life into Shakespeare's tragic classic *King Lear*, reimagining the tale of familial betrayal, power, and dementia for a contemporary audience.
Director: Carl Bessai
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Lears (2017) about?
*The Lears* reimagines Shakespeare's *King Lear* in a contemporary setting, exploring a patriarch's struggle with dementia and his daughters' ruthless maneuvers to inherit his empire. As his grip on reality—and control—slips, the family's dark secrets unravel, testing the limits of loyalty and survival. The film balances Shakespearean drama with biting modern satire.
Who directed The Lears?
The Lears was directed by Carl Bessai, a filmmaker known for his bold, character-driven storytelling and genre-blending approach.
Who stars in The Lears?
The film stars Bruce Dern, Anthony Michael Hall, Sean Astin, Aly Michalka, and Victoria Smurfit, with Nic Bishop rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Lears (2017) worth watching?
If you enjoy modern takes on Shakespearean tragedies with a dash of dark comedy, *The Lears* is well worth your time. Bruce Dern's performance alone elevates the film, and the mix of drama and wit makes for a compelling, if unsettling, experience. While it may not be for everyone, its bold reinterpretation of a classic story stands out.
How long is The Lears?
Runtime details are not listed for The Lears (2017).
🎥 Trailer
About The Lears (2017) – A Modern Shakespearean Tragedy with Sharp Wit
Carl Bessai's daring modern adaptation breathes fresh life into Shakespeare's tragic classic *King Lear*, reimagining the tale of familial betrayal, power, and dementia for a contemporary audience. Set against the stark backdrop of a crumbling family empire, *The Lears (2017)* follows a once-dominant patriarch navigating the treacherous waters of loyalty and greed as his three daughters—each with their own motives—circle like sharks around his failing empire. The film blends sharp drama with biting comedy, exposing the absurdity and heartbreak of human relationships when greed and power corrupt the bonds of love. With stunning performances and a moody, atmospheric tone, Bessai crafts a visually compelling story that's as much about the erosion of trust as it is about the unraveling of a family.
Bruce Dern anchors the ensemble with a powerhouse performance as the aging patriarch, while Anthony Michael Hall, Sean Astin, and Aly Michalka bring layered complexity to their roles as the daughters and their entangled suitors. Victoria Smurfit and Nic Bishop round out the cast with equally compelling turns, grounding the Shakespearean scale in raw, relatable emotion. The result is a film that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, offering a modern mirror to age-old questions of legacy, loyalty, and what it truly means to be family.