Will Ferrell Takes a Dramatic Turn in ‘Everything Must Go’

Phoenix, Arizona – Will Ferrell steps away from his usual comedy roles to take on a more serious character in the new film “Everything Must Go,” directed by Dan Rush. Inspired by Raymond Carver’s short story, the film explores the struggles of Nick Halsey, played by Ferrell, who faces the collapse of his life due to his battle with alcoholism.

Nick is a regional vice president at a successful company, but after getting fired, he returns home to find his wife has locked him out and placed his belongings on the front lawn. With his bank account frozen and a company car taken back, Nick finds himself living on the street outside his former home, causing a stir in his middle-class neighborhood.

The film aims to weave subtle comedy into its narrative. Despite his troubles, Nick’s old high school friend, played by Laura Dern, reassures him that he has a good heart, while new interactions with neighbors, including the pregnant Samantha (Rebecca Hall) and the young outcast Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace), introduce moments of lightness.

While Ferrell delivers a compelling performance portraying Nick’s despair, the film struggles with pacing. Critics note that the dark humor often misses the mark, resulting in limited laughs, while some dramatic elements feel overdone. Even though the supporting cast, including Michael Peña as Nick’s AA sponsor, display talent, the script leaves them underdeveloped.

Overall, “Everything Must Go” tries to tackle serious themes surrounding alcoholism but ultimately struggles to create engaging storytelling. As audiences navigate through Nick’s challenges, they may find themselves longing for more depth and connection.