HOLLYWOOD—I knew after catching the trailer to the play “August: OsageCounty” that it would be something special and was I ever so right. This dark comedy as some would call it; I’d argue it’s a full-blown drama, with a mixture of dark humor to satisfy the drama fiends out there. With an all-star cast including acting legend Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale and Ewan McGregor, “County” is a must-see.

The story revolves around the Weston clan who gathers to attend the funeral of patriarch Beverly (Sam Shepard). The picture is a reminder of the dysfunctional family; as much as we’d like to think our family is bad, there’s always another family that makes ours look like saints. His funeral forces the return of his daughters Barbara (Roberts), Karen (Juliette Lewis) and Ivy (Julianne Nicholson) back to the Oklahoma forefront. The dynamic between the three ladies is quite interesting, none are alike and that frustration is acknowledged throughout their interaction.

The matriarch of the family is none other than Violet (Streep), in a role that allows her to continue to prove why she is the best in the acting arena. Violet is a smoker, pill-popper and sharp-tongued woman who takes no mercy. As a spectator, the compassion is there as some of Violet’s behavior could be an effect of her having mouth cancer, but then again it could be the factor that this is just Violet being Violet.

Streep is a revelation in a role that some would regard as over-top, but to me it allows her to elevate the acting of those surrounding her. Martindale as her sly talking sister, Mattie Fae, is also at her A-game, as that mother who continues to belittle her son portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch.

It’s done with sarcasm, but it’s so obvious the fact that no one else in the room acknowledges it is quite scary in my opinion. With so much star power, I would argue certain portrayers in the picture are not allowed to shine as much as one would desire.  With names like Roberts and Streep, the focus is notably placed on their characters. Roberts delivers a tour-de force performance as the wisest and ”˜honest’ of the three siblings, who discovers over time, she’s more like her mother than she thinks.

The script by Tracy Letts at times presents moments of grandeur dialogue that can be a bit stagey for the purpose of evocating a particular emotion in the audience. The interaction amongst the family should appear natural, at times that is not the case. What is haunting about the picture, is the reflection of family itself. I couldn’t help, but pinpoint particular characters that reminded me of my family, but more so how tragedy forces honest feelings to emerge in people.

The truth can hurt, and “August: Osage County” gives the audience a dose of reality at times that is a tough pill to swallow. While I’d argue this is not Streep’s best work, its a terrific performance that will draw in awards contention, Roberts on the other-hand delivers a meaty role that is sure to place the actress as a strong contender in the supporting actress race this year; honestly, I’d prefer her to be a contender in the lead actress race as her work barters that category more in my opinion.  Christmas is a time for being with family, “August: Osage County” will remind us just how important the unit of family is, even in the worst of times.