First clip from Jason Reitman’s Labor Day with Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I don’t know much about Jason Reitman‘s new film, LABOR DAY, but I do know that I’m a big fan of his work, so that in itself has me intrigued. Starring Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet, Tobey Maguire, James Van Der Beek, and Clark Gregg, the film is based on the novel by Joyce Maynard, which is described as “a beautiful, poignant tale of love, sex, adolescence, and devastating treachery as seen through the eyes of a young teenager—and the man he later becomes.” Sounds compelling enough and kind of similar to the films MUD with Matthew McConaughey and JOE with Nicolas Cage. I guess the escaped convict bonding with kid genre is filling up these days. Today, we have our first look at a clip from the film, which is sure to have some intense scenes throughout.

“He’s in safe hands”:

Here’s the synopsis:

Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.

I’ve enjoyed every one of Reitman’s films, some more than others. From THANK YOU FOR SMOKING to JUNO to UP IN THE AIR and even YOUNG ADULT (my least favorite) he’s proven to be a filmmaker to contend with and someone who can pull tremendous performances from his actors. His films feel real and lived in with flawed, engaging characters and situations that make you sit up and watch. I dig that and have high hopes for more with LABOR DAY. So far, it’s looking good.

LABOR DAY is playing at TIFF this week and hits theaters on January 31, 2014.