#REVIEW: “THE END OF OAK STREET”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

David Robert Mitchell (It Follows) returns with his latest effort, a family survival blockbuster that has a family in trouble, finding themselves in even deeper trouble. Did we mention there’s dinosaurs too?

The Movie focuses on the Platt family, set in the ’80s, Denise and Greg (Hathaway and McGregor) are having marital issues they’re trying to hide from their kids, Audrey and Brian (Maisy Stella and Christian Convery) but they’re doing a horrible job of it. Denise tries to hide in the basement when she can, and write her book, which is an inside look to how she truly feels about her family. Things start to take a turn when the family starts seeing/hearing strange things that Brian and the family dog, Starbuck, are startled by. The odd occurences then comtinue, like a mysterious plant growing in the backyard of one of their neighbours’ homes. A large flash of light transports the entire neighbourhood into the pre-historic era, leaving the neighbourhood and the Platt family fighting for their lives as they’re now living amongst dinosaurs.

One thing that David Robert Mitchell can be applauded for is his attention to detail. The dinosaurs in The End of Oak Street sport feathers even, which are visually compelling. But overall, the Film falls short of giving its capable leads Ewan McGregor and 2026 MVP Anne Hathaway material to soar. The same applies to Audrey and Brian, who feel underwritten, despite Convery and Stella giving it their very best.

The Dinosaur genre has been fronted by the Jurassic Park franchise, and that in itself already feels saturated. We came in wanting something fresh and inspired. While The End of Oak Street similarly explores the family dynamic and bonds tested, it does it with a bit of whimsy which isn’t always successful. The CGI and graphics – specifically where  dinosaurs are blended-in, feel overdone and takes us out of the moment. At nearly 100 minutes, there are some moments that induce joy, though overall it doesn’t feel even.

Having experienced this in 4DX also, it felt as though at times the seated experience also could have benefitted from more action and movement to immerse us even further into the Platt‘s world.

The End of Oak Street has all the ingredients to be something ground-breaking, but feels maybe too safe. We await what’s next for Mitchell and while this is ambitious and valiant, we look forward to seeing him do what he does best.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE END OF OAK STREET in theatres on Friday August 14, 2026.