A star-studded ensemble cast is featured in the critically-acclaimed new film “Louder Than Bombs”, including Isabelle Huppert, Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Ryan and David Strathairn.
Isabelle Reed (Isabelle Huppert) is a war photographer whose work has taken her to the most dangerous places in the world. It is therefore tragic – and ironic – when she dies in a car accident a few miles from her safe and secure home in a New York suburb, leaving a grief-stricken husband, Gene (Gabriel Byrne), and two sons, Jonah (Jesse Eisenberg) and Conrad (Devin Druid), to mourn her sudden loss.
The story begins three years later, when a retrospective of Isabelle’s photography is in the works. Gene enlists the help of Jonah, his elder son, who appears to be functional and in-control, but who is actually overwhelmed and confused by developments in his own life, including marriage and a new baby. Gene is more concerned about Conrad, his teenage son, who seems to be more affected by the loss of his mother than his brother. Conrad has withdrawn into the world of computer games and fantasy, rejecting his father’s attempts to connect with him. Gene too is still struggling with the process of re-entry following his wife’s death.
Everything is thrown into relief by the impending photo retrospective. In examining Isabelle’s images, and reconsidering their memories of her place in their lives, Gene, Jonah, and Conrad confront important revelations about the woman they loved – and who loved them, in her own way. Isabelle Reed was a complicated woman who lived – and died – by her choices. Now, her husband and sons can learn from their memories, move forward, and find the confidence to make their own choices in life. Most importantly, they understand that, even in her absence, the four of them remain a family.