The perfect Netflix comedy-drama for the weekend: a road movie starring Jack Nicholson and the director of Sideways.

One of the best dramatic comedies available on Netflix has become the perfect choice for those looking for a different kind of weekend movie. With a star-studded lead and an intimate, melancholic tone, this road trip combines subtle humor with restrained emotion.

The road movie directed by Alexander Payne , also responsible for Sideways and the more recent Those Who Stay Behind , stars Jack Nicholson in one of the most acclaimed roles of his career. In Inside Schmidt , the three-time Oscar-winning actor plays a recently retired man who, after a series of losses and revelations, embarks on a physical and emotional journey across the American Midwest.

The story portrays Warren Schmidt, who feels completely lost. He also can't bear the thought of his only daughter (Hope Davis) marrying a fool. As if this weren't enough, his wife suddenly dies . Trying to make sense of his life, he decides to embark on a journey in search of his roots.

A transformative route

After crossing Nebraska by caravan, Warren arrives in Denver, the city where his daughter lives. After meeting the groom's family, he'll have even more reasons to try to break off their engagement. Meanwhile, he maintains a correspondence with a six-year-old orphan living in Tanzania, whom he has just sponsored.

Along the way, the protagonist visits places from the past, confronts his own mistakes, and discovers what it truly means to leave a mark. Payne, true to his style, uses silence, desolate landscapes, and seemingly banal family situations to construct an honest and uncontrived narrative . About Schmidt raises questions about the passage of time, aging, the meaning of life, and family relationships.

The film's arrival in Netflix's catalog allows us to rediscover a work that stands out for its ability to balance existential drama with moments of satire and tenderness. With a more reflective tone than conventional comedy, this film establishes itself as one of Nicholson's best films and one of the essential dramatic comedies. of the 21st century that can now be enjoyed via streaming .