The Tree of Life (2011) Film Review: Epic coming-of-age drama explores deep philosophical themes whilst never losing its human touch

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Considered by many to be one of the greatest films of the 21st century and winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, The Tree of Life (2011) sets high expectations in quality, which the film is able to reach and surpass.

An epic cinematic experience like no other, director and writer Terrence Malick (Badlands, 1973) chronicles the origins and meaning of life by way of a middle-aged man's childhood memories of his family living in 1950s Texas. The eldest son of three boys, Jack (Hunter McCracken as child/Sean Penn as adult) struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings and losing his innocence after witnessing a tragedy.

The entire production of this movie is simply stunning, with awe-inspiring photography, special effects, engrossing soundtrack and score, and sensitive direction. There is an undeniable impressionistic, contemplative style to the film, challenging its viewers with an ambitious, complicated deep dive into existentialism and the meaning of life itself, grounded by a personal, human story of a boy's experience of growing up and his relationship with his family.

The meaning of life and the human experience provide the crux of the film's themes

The movie is meditative, with quiet voice-overs from the characters reflecting on spiritual and religious musings as they navigate life. Majestic sequences of nature and the creation of the universe itself, with ethereal cosmic otherworldly imagery of outer space and the soothing ambience of waves on a beach or trees gently swaying in a forest, all evoke a documentary-like aesthetic. A truly immersive sound design and heavenly choir provided by the score further add to the hypnotic experience of watching the film. The corporate environment in which Jack works as an architect contrasts with the tranquil, simple suburban life of his childhood, with the nostalgia and beauty of seeing the world through the eyes of a child captured to a tremendously authentic degree.

The O'Brien family's origins and evolution are explored alongside deep philosophical ideas

Due to the complex nature of its screenplay and presentation, there is much left up to the viewer's interpretation as the versatile imagery and direction provoke thoughtful insights into our world and life experiences. Brotherhood and the relationship between fathers and sons are at the forefront of the narrative, with Jack experiencing difficulties with his controlling, overbearing father, who embodies the idealised authoritative American man of the period. However, Jessica Chastain's Mrs O'Brien is nurturing, loving, and avoids confrontation. All of the performances are sublime, with McCracken as young Jack being particularly impressive with his multifaceted expressions conveying much with no words.

Although many will find this movie particularly challenging due to its deliberately slower-paced, experimental qualities and unconventional storytelling, The Tree of Life still stands as a transcendent work of art with a stirring production design and addressing of heavy, thought-provoking questions without losing the focus of what it means to be human.

Check out the trailer for The Tree of Life (2011) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!