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The Tree of Life

Play trailer Poster for The Tree of Life PG-13 2011 2h 18m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 291 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
In this highly philosophical film by acclaimed director Terrence Malick, young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up as part of the O'Brien family in small-town Texas. Jack has a contentious relationship with his father (Brad Pitt), but gets along well with his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain). As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) struggles with his past and tries to make sense of his childhood, while also grappling with bigger existential issues.
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The Tree of Life

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Critics Consensus

Terrence Malick's singularly deliberate style may prove unrewarding for some, but for patient viewers, Tree of Life is an emotional as well as visual treat.

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Critics Reviews

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Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting Jun 21, 2026
5/5
...the shadows of kids playing... upside down... like so many images in the film, it's life like we've always seen it, except like we've never seen it before. It's familiar but somehow alien. Go to Full Review Adam Nayman The Ringer Apr 6, 2020
Malick's earnest pretentiousness surely invites derisive laughter. But it also withstands it, and like the ancient evergreen of its title, it towers benevolently over less ambitious movies... Go to Full Review Amy Taubin Film Comment Magazine Aug 27, 2019
The Tree of Life in no way measured up. Go to Full Review Ray Pride Newcity Oct 4, 2025
10/10
If you work with a camera that is autonomous and distracted,as Malick does, with promiscuous principal photography that works from inspiration and not text... the meaning gets layered in selection, the decisive moment is then in the edit, not in shooting. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Apr 26, 2025
The film is more kaleidoscopic than linear, filled with privileged moments of magic and terror, of remembered shards of treasured memories that have become idealized snapshot, and moments that are more textured evocations of emotions and anxieties. Go to Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Oct 10, 2023
3.5/4
There are two distinct films being made here and while the opening frames of The Tree of Life are some of the finest in memory, there’s little in the middle-to-late section of the film worth noting. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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nick S @Nick_S 17 hrs ago I tapped out after about 40 mins. It was like watching a cinematographer's showreel. Impressive mise en scene but most shots weren't in service of the story. Alright if you like way-out, mind-blowing artsy stuff. But not for me. See more Kristin R @igobykristin Oct 24, 2026 I just paid money to watch 20 minutes of a movie and 45 minutes of National Geographic. See more Huntin P @PaxVobiscum80 Oct 4, 2026 The first 30-40 minutes are awesome, and I remember thinking wow, what can possibly follow this? The answer was not very much. I think Malick is probably one of the most overrated filmmakers in movie history. The Tree of Life helped me come to that opinion. Any movie that has lines like, "Love every blade of grass!", delivered earnestly, not with tongue-in-cheek, is a movie that needs an editor. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 19, 2026 This movie is a 3.5 star Movie! See more Maarit L @Komedienne May 31, 2026 Cinematography deserves one star ⭐️ See more Hao Ian L @HaOiAn May 14, 2026 Pretentious in a sincere way and overstays its welcome, as well as some questionable dialogue every so often, are all heavily compensated for by Malick's sheer ambition. Navigating through its flaws, however, The Tree of Life, with its visuals and a genuine, heartfelt theme, is not only worthwhile but also the kind of picture that may very well change lives. See more Read all reviews
The Tree of Life

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Cast & Crew

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Terrence Malick

Director

Brad Pitt

Mr. O'Brien

Sean Penn

Jack

Jessica Chastain

Mrs. O'Brien

Fiona Shaw

Grandmother

Irene Bedard

Messenger

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The Tree of Life

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this highly philosophical film by acclaimed director Terrence Malick, young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up as part of the O'Brien family in small-town Texas. Jack has a contentious relationship with his father (Brad Pitt), but gets along well with his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain). As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) struggles with his past and tries to make sense of his childhood, while also grappling with bigger existential issues.
Director
Terrence Malick
Producer
Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Grant Hill
Screenwriter
Terrence Malick
Distributor
Fox Searchlight
Production Co
Cottonwood Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Some Thematic Material)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 27, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$13.3M
Runtime
2h 18m
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