Downhill 2020

As the camera pans over a breathtaking European alpine landscape, it sets the stage for a family’s idyllic winter getaway. However, things take an unexpected turn when two cylindrical protrusions suddenly burst forth from the snow-covered peak, accompanied by a deafening boom and an unsettling rumble that reverberates through the crisp mountain air.

The Stanton family - Pete (Will Ferrell), Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and their sons Finn and Emerson - are eager to capture the perfect ski resort moment. Donning their gear, they follow the instructions of a bemused local Austrian photographer, struggling to decipher his cryptic directions amidst a sea of awkward poses and futile attempts at understanding.

As they navigate the slopes with varying degrees of success, the family’s attention is momentarily diverted from the skiing to the peculiar lack of children in their midst. Pete’s gaze is elsewhere, however, as he becomes engrossed in his friend Zach’s frequent social media updates, much to Billie’s amusement and mild exasperation.

Upon arrival at the resort village, they’re greeted by the effusive Charlotte (Miranda Otto), who warmly welcomes them and outlines the various amenities available. Notably, she emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s natural state in the sauna, a peculiarity that raises Billie’s eyebrows.

As they settle into their cozy hotel room, Pete becomes fixated on his father’s vintage ski hat, which he wishes to don as a way to honor his memory during tomorrow’s skiing excursion. Billie offers reassuring words of encouragement as they prepare for a family bed picnic, replete with room service and an impromptu dining arrangement.

Later that evening, Billie retreats to the bathroom to freshen up, leaving Pete to indulge in a few more fries before joining her under the warm spray of the shower. Quoting Charlotte’s mantra about celebrating one’s body, Pete’s enthusiasm is met with Billie’s playful giggles, as the family’s dynamics and quirks begin to unfold in this picturesque winter wonderland.

As the morning sun casts its warm glow, Billie and Pete (or should I say, toothbrush buddies - they’re that close) share a tender moment in front of the bathroom mirror, their faces inches apart as they brush away the remnants of slumber. It’s almost as if they’re savoring the quiet intimacy of this private moment, oblivious to the fact that there are other mirrors and sinks mere feet away waiting to be claimed. But no, these two lovebirds have a special connection - one that only grows stronger as Billie takes out her trusty sticker stash, adorning each family member’s ski helmet with vibrant, mismatched stickers designed to make them stand out like rays of sunshine on the snow-dusted slopes.

As they hit the mountain trails, Finn zooms ahead, leaving the rest of the family in his wake. Pete calls out after him, urging him to slow down and rejoin the group, but it’s clear that Finn is too caught up in the rush of speed to notice. Meanwhile, Emerson trudges along behind them, his skiing pace so glacial that they can’t help but whisper snarky comments about his… let’s say, “relaxed” approach. But Pete intervenes, showering him with words of encouragement and a gentle reminder that everyone has their own rhythm.

After fueling up on soup and pastry at the bustling outdoor café, the family is caught off guard by an eerie echo - the same jarring sound that greeted them at the film’s opening. This time, however, it’s not just a distant rumble; it’s a harbinger of doom as snow begins to loosen high above, building momentum with each passing second. The once-peaceful mountain air is now charged with tension as this unstoppable avalanche hurtles toward the unsuspecting restaurant patrons. Pandemonium erupts as the masses scream in terror, their screams drowned out by the deafening roar of the snowslide as it bears down on them.

As the snow-covered silence envelops the aftermath of the avalanche, the group’s collective unease is palpable. In the restaurant, everyone appears disoriented, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. Billie (actress name), still seated between her two sons, struggles to loosen her grip on them, her expression a testament to her shaken state. Meanwhile, Pete returns to the table, his awkward demeanor a stark contrast to the terror that had driven him to flee earlier. As he attempts to downplay the tension by continuing their soup discussion as if nothing had transpired, Billie and her sons exchange uneasy glances, sensing the unease that now permeates the atmosphere.

Later, at the rental shop, Pete’s annoyance with the attendant is misdirected, his scolding a misplaced attempt to mask his own discomfort. Unbeknownst to him, however, he had never been in any real danger, the near-miss merely a figment of his imagination.

As they prepare for dinner, Billie’s tension simmers just below the surface. In the hotel room, she primping at the bathroom mirror, her movements a manifestation of her growing unease. The fact that Pete wants to occupy the same space – the mirror and sink – serves as a reminder of their earlier intimacy, now replaced by an awkwardness that neither can quite articulate.

As they make their way tensely to the hotel restaurant, Pete’s awkward attempt at affection is met with resistance when Billie lets go of his hand. It’s as if the very thought of physical closeness has become too much to bear. Just then, Charlotte beckons them to join her at her table, a gentle reminder that there are still moments to be shared, and connections to be made.

As Billie and Pete engage in convivial conversation with Charlotte (Charlotte), the effervescent hostess regales them with tales of her liberated experiences before Charlie, her suitor, joins the trio. The narrative flow is momentarily interrupted when Billie introduces the avalanche story, prompting Pete to downplay its severity. Charlotte recounts the terror she and her children felt during the ordeal, while Pete shares a poignant anecdote about his father’s passing eight months prior. He explains that his family has gathered for a vacation to cope with their grief, and Pete reminisces about his father’s peculiar habits, including his casual treatment of precious drinking glasses. The phrase “Every day is all we have” becomes a recurring theme in Pete’s life, as he often repeats these words.

Charlotte encourages Billie and Pete to lodge an official complaint about the resort’s avalanche practices, which they do the next day. They express their discontent over the lack of warnings and the perceived mishandling of the incident. The safety representative insists that there are clear warnings throughout the resort, but Billie and Pete insist they saw none. The representative’s condescending remark about suing for hot coffee only exacerbates Billie’s frustration, as she reveals her profession as an attorney.

As night falls, Billie and Pete prepare for bed in their bathroom, each using their own mirror and sink. Later, we find Billie asleep while Pete sends a text to Zach from the same bathroom. The next morning, their sons rouse them from slumber, reminding them that they’ve overslept and must hastily gather their gear to make it to their scheduled ski reservations outside the resort. With no time for breakfast, they scramble to catch a helicopter, adding to the day’s already chaotic tone.

As Pete attempts to assuage the children’s growing discontent, he insists that the forthcoming ski excursion will be an unforgettable adventure, one that will render their hunger irrelevant. With a fervent pitch, he emphasizes the magnitude of this experience, having shelled out a substantial $2,000.00 for the privilege. Meanwhile, Billie valiantly strives to procure snack bars, recognizing the need for temporary sustenance as they scramble to board the helicopter.

The event coordinator’s urgency to depart, citing the potential for inclement weather, only serves to further alarm Billie, still reeling from the previous day’s tumultuous events. As Pete becomes increasingly agitated, Billie seizes the opportunity to enumerate the mounting concerns: the children’s pangs of hunger, the impending threat of bad weather, and Emerson’s frantic search for his misplaced glove. It is clear that they cannot proceed as planned, and the helicopter takes off without them.

The next morning, Billie proposes a more low-key approach, suggesting they forego skiing altogether. Later that day, she joins Pete and the boys by the fireplace, engaged in a game of cards. Unbeknownst to her, Pete is orchestrating a surprise gathering, inviting Zach and his girlfriend Rosie over without first consulting her.

This impromptu visit finds Zach and Rosie in their early 30s, boasting an insatiable wanderlust that has taken them on countless adventures across Europe. Their carefree approach to travel, exploring multiple countries in mere days, is tempered only by a shared passion for shrooms and an aversion to commitment, with no plans to settle down or have children, and no intention of returning to the United States.

As Pete becomes enamored with their free-spirited nature, they inadvertently reveal that it was he who extended the invitation, prompting Billie to confront him about his deception. In a casual aside, Pete glosses over Zach’s earlier revelation about their harrowing experience on the slopes, trivializing its emotional and physical impact. Billie sets the record straight, recounting how Pete had taken his phone and abandoned them at the table.

As Billie recounts the harrowing experience of the avalanche, she delves into the depths of her fear, the ear-piercing screams, and the agonizing wait for the inevitable to unfold. When the cacophony subsides and the reality of their precarious situation becomes apparent, Pete’s response is telling: he orders soup. Rosie’s observation that this reaction is “intense” is met with Zach’s defense of Pete’s actions, attributing them to a raw survival instinct. However, Pete’s subsequent attempt to reframe the narrative by claiming he checked on Billie and their children during the avalanche, only to be contradicted by Billie, serves as a stark reminder of the fissures in their relationship.

As tensions escalate, Billie retreats to gather her sons, Emerson and Finn, who reveal the devastating truth: Pete abandoned them during the crisis. The boys’ testimonies leave Billie feeling betrayed, and she demands accountability from Pete, who responds with sarcastic applause. This explosive confrontation marks a turning point in their relationship, with Billie subsequently opting to spend the night alone with her sons.

The following morning, Billie proposes a solo day for herself, suggesting Pete take the boys to a kid-friendly resort instead. Little does she know that Charlotte has orchestrated a chance encounter between them on the slopes, sparking a conversation about sexual intimacy and infidelity. Charlotte’s candid admission of her own extramarital escapades serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the disparity in their perspectives on marriage.

As Billie and Charlotte disembark from the gondola, the latter drops a bombshell: she has arranged for Guglielmo (Giulio Berruti), a stunning young Italian instructor, to be Billie’s ski guide. It becomes clear that Charlotte had been manipulating events behind the scenes, setting in motion a chain of consequences that will have far-reaching implications for Billie’s relationships and her own sense of self.

As Zach (character name not provided) and Emerson (character name not provided) revel in the unbridled excitement of their family-friendly resort getaway, a chorus of carefree laughter echoes through the air. The question on everyone’s lips: why aren’t we staying here? This vibrant oasis is meticulously crafted to foster total family involvement, complete with costumed characters prancing about, kaleidoscopic hues, and thrill-seeking attractions. Meanwhile, Billie’s lesson takes an unexpected turn when Guglielmo spikes their morning coffee with a splash of liquor. Billie confidently asserts that she’s a skilled skier who doesn’t need instruction, but Guglielmo offers to hit the slopes alongside her, eager to see how it plays out.

As the trio - Zach, Emerson, and Pete (character name not provided) - embarks on an individual sled ride down the mountain, their initial excitement gives way to a series of unexpected twists. Initially, Zach speeds ahead, leaving Emerson and Pete in his wake. As they navigate the winding track, Emerson’s cries to slow down fall on deaf ears, and Pete hurtles into him just as the ride cameras capture the perfect souvenir shot: a beaming Zach on one side, an exasperated Emerson on the other.

Later, at lunch, Pete attempts to redeem himself by listing a litany of possible activities for the day. However, Zach and Emerson politely decline, opting instead to retreat to their hotel room and indulge in some screen time. Back at the resort, Billie and Guglielmo take a romantic interlude in a cozy cabin, where he indulges her sore muscles with a sensual massage. As the tension builds, they surrender to passion, only to be interrupted by Billie’s sudden realization that they should return to skiing.

As the day wears on, Billie finds herself overcome with emotion, seeking solace in the privacy of a public restroom. Amidst the chaos of layers and ski gear, she attempts to find some much-needed release, but her moment is ruined when the door gives way beneath her weight, sending her tumbling onto the bathroom floor.

In their hotel suite, reunited and reflective, Billie and Pete strain to recount their respective days to each other. As they part ways, Pete retires to the master bedroom, his slumber a stark contrast to the turmoil that has beset him throughout the day.

As the morning sun casts its warm glow on the snow-covered resort, Pete (actor name) strolls into the midst of Billie and her boys’ impromptu movie night. The room falls silent as they gaze up at him, their laughter abruptly silenced by his arrival. Undeterred, Pete decides to spend the day with Zach, making plans to reunite with Billie and the gang for dinner. As he and Zach carve through the powder-filled slopes, their camaraderie is interrupted when Pete takes a nasty tumble, striking his head on the unforgiving snow. Back at the outdoor resort bar, Pete’s concerns about a potential concussion are tempered by Zach’s dismissive diagnosis, leaving him to wonder if he’s truly okay.

Just as they’re sipping their beers and contemplating the day’s events, a stunning snow bunny approaches them. With an air of nonchalance, she reveals that her friend finds Pete to be the most attractive man in the bar – a claim that sends shockwaves through Pete’s system. As they gaze longingly at the shy friend, now revealed as a ravishing beauty, Pete is ecstatically thrilled by the compliment, suggesting to Zach that they send her a drink. However, his friend remains skeptical, citing the success of his own romance with Rosie.

Meanwhile, Billie and her boys embark on their own skiing adventure, allowing them to carve out some much-needed independence. As they explore new trails, Billie’s sons request a change in direction, which she happily grants. A chance encounter with Rosie on the lift serves as a catalyst for Billie’s apology for her earlier outburst towards Pete. However, Rosie’s understanding and empathy are tempered by her assertion that Pete’s behavior is not excusable simply because he’s still grieving the loss of his father. With a firm “it’s black and white,” she makes it clear that Pete must take responsibility for his actions.

As Zach and Pete venture into the pulsating nightclub, the air thickens with the thud of bass and the kaleidoscope of strobing lights. The intoxicating atmosphere only serves to heighten Pete’s inebriation as he stumbles upon a vision of loveliness behind the bar. His slurred words and stumbling gait fail to deter his newfound friend, who seemingly shrugs off their awkward encounter with a bemused expression. As they stumble out into the cool night air, Pete’s rambunctious ramblings reveal a deeper unease as he confesses that his children were not the result of natural conception, leading him to wonder if he was meant to be a father at all. Zach, his sobriety a beacon of clarity, suggests a more subdued indulgence in the form of coffee.

Later, Pete’s struggles with his dinner plate are a stark reminder of his compromised state. Every cut, every chew, is a labored effort, and even Billie and the kids can’t help but notice the awkwardness that permeates their meal. The tension is palpable as Pete’s family tries to navigate this trying moment.

It is during a walk down the hotel corridor that Pete finally opens up to Billie about the truth he has been hiding. His admission of cowardice and selfishness is met with anger and hurt, Billie lashing out at her husband for not speaking his mind sooner. The weight of their conversation hangs heavy in the air.

The next morning, Pete proposes one final skiing adventure – a descent down “the Beast,” a notorious black diamond run that promises to test even the most seasoned skiers. His family agrees to join him, and as they ride the lift up to the top, Emerson’s complaints about the wet and cold nature of skiing serve only to heighten the tension. It is then that another loud boom echoes through the tubes, causing Billie’s sons to instinctively cling to their mother.

As they stand at the precipice of “the Beast,” the steep drop-off seems to stretch on forever, its terror-inducing beauty momentarily frozen in time. Pete’s enthusiasm for skiing has been tempered by his earlier revelations, and he decides that he will take the lift back down, accompanied by his sons. Billie, however, is determined to tackle the beast alone, her family forced to wait patiently at the base of the mountain as she disappears into the swirling snow.

As Pete’s companions await his companion’s arrival, their anticipation turns to concern as her tardiness stretches beyond the norm. The tension is palpable, but it’s not until Pete whispers to his friends to stay put that he seizes the opportunity to investigate further. His ears prick up at the faint, distant cries of Billie, and with a sense of urgency, he dashes up the mountain to find her sitting serenely in the snow, surrounded by her abandoned gear. As he approaches, she reveals that this elaborate ruse is designed to alter their sons’ perception of him - that by pretending to rescue her, Pete will earn their admiration and affection. Billie’s plan hinges on the notion that a hero’s reputation can only be earned through selfless acts, and if Pete wants to win her approval, he must demonstrate his commitment to being more than just a mere mortal.

Enthusiastic about the prospect of winning her over, Pete eagerly agrees to play along, and together they recreate the scene from above. As they make their way down the mountain, Billie’s staged drama appears to have worked its magic, as their sons look at their father in a newfound light. However, before the illusion can fully dissipate, Billie nonchalantly mentions that she left her gear up the mountain, prompting Pete to dash back up to retrieve it.

Meanwhile, as Zach and his companion Rosie bid farewell to Pete and his partner Billie at the hotel entrance, an unexpected event disrupts their peaceful parting. A massive chunk of snow dislodges from the high ceiling above, sending the four scattering in all directions as it crashes down upon them. The sudden, jarring shock freezes everyone in place, their wide-eyed stares a testament to their collective astonishment.