Cast
View AllWill Ferrell
as Nick Halsey
C.J. Wallace
as Kenny Loftus
Rebecca Hall
as Samantha
Michael Peña
as Frank Garcia
Rosalie Michaels
as Kitty
Stephen Root
as Elliot
Laura Dern
as Delilah
Glenn Howerton
as Gary
Argos MacCallum
as Shopper
Todd Bryant
as Driver (Repo Guy)
Jason Spisak
as Hipster
Tyler Johnstone
as Big Teenager
Kyle Sharkey
as Lanky Teenager
Scott Takeda
as Bank Manager
Matthew Dearing
as Jacket Buyer
Crew
Director
- Dan Rush
Producer
- Wyck Godfrey
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Everything Must Go examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dan Rush brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Everything Must Go took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 448 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Everything Must Go shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lymelife, which focuses more on action than character development, Everything Must Go subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Street Trash and Berlin am Meer explore similar territory, Everything Must Go stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 13, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $2,614,773
Where to Watch

