Driveways
A lonely boy and a grieving retiree discover an unexpected, quietly transformative friendship beside a house being emptied of its past.
Overview
A poignant journey of connection and healing unfolds as a boy and his mother confront loss and discover friendship.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- wistful
- tender
- contemplative
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an understated yet powerful character drama anchored by fundamental decency, emotional sensitivity, and Brian Dennehy’s valedictory performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film follows routine domestic tasks, conversations, bingo, and a birthday gathering with understated feeling.
Cody forms a meaningful friendship with Del while accompanying Kathy during the house cleanout.
Kathy and Cody deal with the aftermath of the late aunt’s death by clearing her home and navigating its emotional residue.
Brian Dennehy’s final performance as Del was widely praised as gentle, generous, and deeply affecting.
Films like Driveways, and why
The Straight Story
quiet coming-of-age drama centered on an intergenerational friendship and everyday kindness
The Station Agent
understated family drama using grief, loneliness, and neighborly connection to create emotional warmth
Still Alice
gentle, observational drama about aging, memory, and human connection without melodrama
The 400 Blows
intimate social drama pairing a vulnerable child with an older adult amid family transition
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrew Ahn
- Release Date
- 2020-12-17
- Runtime
- 83 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (85)
Cast
- Hong Chau
- Lucas Jaye
- Brian Dennehy
- Christine Ebersole
- Jerry Adler
- Robyn Payne
- Jeter Rivera
- Sophia DiStefano
- Jack Caleb
- James DiGiacomo
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Driveways about?
- A lonely boy and a grieving retiree discover an unexpected, quietly transformative friendship beside a house being emptied of its past.
- What is Driveways like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Driveways as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Driveways violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Driveways as mild.
- What did critics think of Driveways?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an understated yet powerful character drama anchored by fundamental decency, emotional sensitivity, and Brian Dennehy’s valedictory performance.
- Which films are like Driveways?
- Films with a similar feel include The Straight Story, The Station Agent, Still Alice, and The 400 Blows.
- How long is Driveways?
- Driveways runs 83 minutes.
- Where can I watch Driveways?
- In United States, Driveways streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel.
