The Details

On the surface the Lang household looks like an ordinary suburban unit until a strange problem emerges beneath the yard. A family of raccoons digging for worms triggers a chaotic domino effect that pulls Jeff and Nealy Lang into a web of suspicion and fraught conversations. What begins as a comical nuisance quickly exposes hidden appetites, old resentments, and fault lines in the couple's relationship. As neighbors and friends become entangled, small lies spiral into bigger ones and the risk of ruin edges closer with every argument, every late night confession, and every impulsive decision. The film uses this absurd setup to examine moral accountability, temptation, and how ordinary lives crack under pressure. As the story unfolds, the characters confront not just each other but their own myths about family life.

Directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, The Details is based on an original screenplay by Estes rather than adaptation. It debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011 and later opened in U.S. theaters in 2012, distributing through Image Entertainment.

Critics offered mixed reactions, with praise for Tobey Maguire and Elizabeth Banks who bring a fragile charm to a tense scenario, while some observers felt the tonal shifts undercut the premise. The movie probes fidelity and consequence, using humor to expose the fragility of suburban life. The surface wit occasionally sharpens into menace, leaving viewers uneasy.

The Details did not receive major award nominations, reflecting its status as a smaller indie release. While some critics applauded the performances and sharp dialogue, the film did not garner widespread recognition at the big awards ceremonies.

Beyond a niche audience the film left little lasting imprint on pop culture. It is remembered by some for a darkly comic take on suburban life and for the way it uses an outlandish premise to spark debate about honesty and consequences.