Nebraska (2013)

Alexander Payne's *Nebraska* (2013) chronicles the quixotic journey of Woody Grant, an aging, increasingly frail, and booze-addled father. Convinced he's won a million-dollar sweepstakes, Woody is determined to travel from his home in Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska, to claim his prize. His estranged son, David, reluctantly agrees to drive him, not out of belief in the sweepstakes, but to prevent his stubborn father from attempting the trek on foot and to spend some overdue time with him, even if under these peculiar circumstances. This seemingly simple road trip evolves into a poignant exploration of family history, small-town life, and the quiet dignity of a man grappling with his past. This makes *Nebraska* a quintessential entry on any "Best Alexander Payne Movies" list. Shot in striking black and white, the film perfectly encapsulates Payne's signature blend of observational humor and profound melancholy. It deftly navigates themes of aging, regret, unfulfilled dreams, and the often-fraught complexities of family relationships, all against the backdrop of a stoic, sometimes bleak, but ultimately loving Midwestern landscape. Bruce Dern's Oscar-nominated performance as Woody, alongside June Squibb's scene-stealing turn as his sharp-tongued wife, delivers a deeply human and often hilariously understated portrayal of small-town life, making *Nebraska* a touching and resonant exploration of dignity in the face of delusion.