Downhill (DVD)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell star in this outrageous comedy about a family's misadventures during a ski vacation in the Alps. Billie and Pete (Louis-Dreyfus and Ferrell) are looking forward to a delightful week at a European mountain resort with their two sons. But Pete's reaction to what turns out to be a non-threatening avalanche is different from Billie's, and suddenly the couple's marriage seems to be on ice. Unable to put the avalanche incident out of their minds, Pete and Billie spend separate time with a lineup of characters: Pete skis and binge-drinks with his coworker (Zach Woods), who's at the euphoric beginning of a relationship with his hashtag-obsessed girlfriend (Zoe Chao), and Billie gets unexpected advice from a sensuous ski instructor (Giulio Berruti) and a sex-crazed hotel concierge (Miranda Otto). The time apart and cringe-worthy encounters help bring perspective to Pete and Billie, who realize they must decide whether or not they can move forward as a family. Filled with dark humor, realism and believable performances, Downhill is a refreshing exploration of love, family, instinct and expectations.

• comedy