---
title: "Sideways"
year: 2004
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/sideways"
fi1m_id: "sideways"
imdb_id: "tt0375063"
tmdb_id: 9675
wikidata_id: "Q675937"
fi1m_score: 86
critics_score: 88
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-09-14"
updated: "2026-10-06T12:12:42.789830+00:00"
region: "IL"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Sideways (2004)

Directed by Alexander Payne · 2h 07m · Comedy, Drama, Romance

## Identity

Sideways

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/sideways
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** sideways
- **IMDb ID:** tt0375063
- **TMDB ID:** 9675
- **Wikidata ID:** Q675937
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/9675, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q675937

**Fi1m score: 86** · Critics 88 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* A holiday with two men we would avoid at breakfast and worry about all day

> Alexander Payne’s wine-country comedy is funny, patient and unusually tender towards its difficult men. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church make the friendship convincing, though a slack middle and occasional cheap jokes need forgiving.

## Synopsis

Two friends head into wine country on a road trip. Miles (Paul Giamatti) brings a knowledge of wine and a store of disappointments; Jack (Thomas Haden Church) approaches their time together rather differently. As they taste and talk, their friendship becomes caught up in questions of middle age, pleasure and romance. Virginia Madsen plays Maya and Sandra Oh plays Stephanie. Alexander Payne directs this comedy-drama, adapted by Payne and Jim Taylor from Rex Pickett’s novel, about men trying to enjoy themselves while struggling with the lives they have.

## Review

Alexander Payne’s *Sideways* is an excellent comedy about the effort involved in spending time with a disappointed friend. It takes the familiar road-trip pairing of two mismatched men and lets their conversation become more revealing than either would wish. The wine matters because it gives them something to do, and Miles something he can talk about with confidence. Payne and his co-writer Jim Taylor, adapting Rex Pickett’s novel, understand how a subject someone knows well can become an excuse to avoid everything else.

Paul Giamatti gives Miles’s wine talk the painstaking seriousness of a man who expects to be challenged. The precision is funny, especially when set beside his less successful dealings with people. We laughed, then felt rather sad for him. It was the care he gave those judgements that did it: Giamatti makes an opinion about wine sound like something Miles badly needs to get right. He lets the self-pity become tiresome, too, and trusts us to remain interested.

Thomas Haden Church’s Jack gives Giamatti someone who will not join him in examining every discomfort. Church’s ease is funny in itself, and he makes Jack’s lack of reflection feel like a habit Miles both resents and needs. The friendship is convincing because neither actor makes being together look consistently enjoyable. Virginia Madsen, as Maya, and Sandra Oh, as Stephanie, are equally persuasive, especially when the men stop being charming. We wanted more of the film’s attention to stay with them, rather than returning so reliably to the men’s troubles.

Phedon Papamichael’s cinematography lets us enjoy the wine country without suggesting that the view ought to cure anyone. The pleasure of looking around helps when the men become less pleasurable company. Jane Ann Stewart’s production design makes the places where they taste wine feel comfortable enough for Miles to settle into his subject. That relaxed setting gives Giamatti room to make wine tasting seem like serious work.

Kevin Tent’s editing generally gives the conversations enough time to become uncomfortable before moving on. We can register an embarrassment without having every joke pointed out. The middle does drift, though, and at 127 minutes the film gives some exchanges longer than they need. Rolfe Kent’s music lends those passages some lift, but cannot quite supply the missing momentum. His score is otherwise a good companion, light enough to let the sadness arrive without a musical warning.

Payne is less assured when he reaches for broader humiliation. A few jokes ask us to enjoy the men’s embarrassment in a simpler way than the performances have prepared us for, and the change feels cheap. The sharper comedy comes when these friends fail to listen to each other. For a buddy film, it is unusually willing to let companionship feel like work.

We would give it an unhurried evening, with one reservation. Anyone hoping for amiable holiday company may tire of Miles before Payne does. Stay for Giamatti, especially if someone else’s expertise has ever made a dinner feel longer than planned.

*Fi1m score 86, published 14 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like Sideways a great deal, and the praise lands in the same two places: the writing and Paul Giamatti. Payne and Taylor’s script is credited with drawing two flawed, middle-aged men so exactly that critics find them likeable without being flattered, and several reviews note that the film is funny and sad in equal measure. Giamatti’s depressive Miles is singled out almost everywhere, with Thomas Haden Church close behind, and the pairing itself gets as much credit as either performance. The wine-country setting and the tasting scenes are mentioned repeatedly as more than decoration.

The spread is narrow. Reservations are minor: Empire notices a slight sag in the second act, and Slant Magazine, the coolest of the fifteen, objects to a late contrivance and to Payne’s fondness for cheap jokes even while admiring his structure and his cast. Nobody else sees much wrong with it, and more than one finds it lighter and better than Payne’s earlier films.

## Straight answers

**Is Sideways worth watching?**

*Sideways* is worth watching for anyone who enjoys patient, talkative comedy about difficult men, and we scored it 86. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church make the friendship convincing, though the middle drifts and a few jokes are cheaper than the performances deserve. Anyone hoping for amiable holiday company may tire of Miles before the film does.

**How long is Sideways, and what is it rated?**

*Sideways* runs 2h 07m. It is a comedy and drama film.

**Where can I watch Sideways in Israel?**

*Sideways* is available to rent from Apple TV from ₪16.90. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Sideways, and is it suitable for children?**

*Sideways* is a UK 15 comedy-drama with no violence or frights to speak of; the certificate reflects adult language and sexual content rather than anything alarming. It is not a film for children, less because of what it shows than because its humour rests on middle-aged disappointment and embarrassment. Older teenagers with patience for conversation may find something in it.

**How does Sideways compare to Withnail & I?**

*Sideways* and [*Withnail & I*](https://film.one/film/withnail-and-i) are both fraught holidays with self-pitying men whose company is hard to give up, but Alexander Payne's film is the warmer and more forgiving of the two. Bruce Robinson's is sharper, sadder and more tightly written, with the funnier lines. Choose *Sideways* for tenderness and wine-country patience, *Withnail & I* for bite.

**Is Sideways based on a true story or a book?**

*Sideways* is not a true story; it is adapted by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor from Rex Pickett's novel of the same name. Our review does not weigh how closely the film follows the book, and the film stands entirely on its own. You need know nothing about the novel, or about wine, to follow Miles and Jack.

**What should I watch after Sideways?**

After *Sideways*, try [*Withnail and I*](https://film.one/film/withnail-and-i) (1987, Fi1m 88): Another fraught holiday with difficult men whose company proves hard to relinquish. Then [*The Lunchbox*](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox) (2013, Fi1m 75): For the tentative romance, patient observation and pleasure taken in ordinary meals; and [*Another Round*](https://film.one/film/another-round) (2020, Fi1m 80): Alcohol, male friendship and disappointment, with a more openly reckless appetite.

### Reviews we read (15)

- **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (4/4): Ebert calls the film lovable and as wonderful as Fargo, praising its complex characters, necessary ensemble, and Payne's direction that distributes happiness where deserved. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sideways-2004)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (90/100, inferred): The critic praises Payne and Taylor's script for its sharp observation of flawed, relatable characters and the uniformly excellent performances, especially Paul Giamatti's. Minor flaws like a slight second-act sag do not detract from the wonderful, original result. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/sideways-review/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (90/100, inferred): Turan praises the counterintuitive triumph of turning morally sketchy characters into a satisfying movie through exact writing, precise directing, and transcendent acting, highlighting its emotional reality and maturity. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-oct-22-et-sideways22-story.html)
- **The AV Club**, Scott Tobias (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a wonderful road comedy that uses wry behavioral observations and wine as a metaphor for life. He singles out Giamatti's performance and the film's ability to blend comedy with emotional resonance and intimacy. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/sideways-1798200057)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): This is a glorious, bittersweet comedy of male friendship and midlife crisis, even better than Payne's prior films, and a new classic of American cinema comparable to Cassavetes or Ashby. The critic singles out the beautifully written and acted observations, sight gags, and exquisite sadness that give the film its emotional power. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/jan/28/paul-giamatti)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Kirk Honeycutt (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a hysterically funny yet melancholy comedy with a beautiful structure, buoyant romance, and tight control of subtext. He highlights the strong pairing of Giamatti and Church and the effective use of the wine country setting. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/sideways-review-movie-2004-1246643/)
- **The New Yorker**, David Denby (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film wonderful and Payne's largest, most candid work, a comedy poised at the edge of despair. It singles out the sensual pleasure taken in wine-tasting scenes and the scathing intimacy of the two male friends. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/10/25/drinking-and-driving)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a heart-piercing story of a disappointed man whose struggles make him decent and good. It singles out the director's skill with actors and the central performance by Paul Giamatti. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/16/movies/popping-the-cork-for-a-twist-on-a-socalled-life.html)
- **The Times**, James Christopher (90/100, inferred): The critic calls it the most exquisite stag movie yet made and praises its portrayal of an unlikely friendship between two middle-aged men. The gentle pacing, chemistry between leads Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, and masterly script are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/sideways-58v5gt5x7bs)
- **Variety** (90/100, inferred): The critic hails the film as wonderful and accomplished, restoring humanism to American films with its beautifully observed study of personal foibles and romantic uncertainty. It singles out the exceptional performances, especially Giamatti's nuanced portrayal of the depressive Miles. [Read](https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/sideways-4-1200531112/)
- **Evening Standard**, Derek Malcom (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the road movie astonishingly surefooted and the adaptation shrewd, with brilliant casting that makes the flawed leads entirely believable and likeable. Giamatti's performance is singled out as almost beyond praise in this funny and sad character study. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/two-for-the-road-7383705.html)
- **Sight and Sound**, Mark Salisbury (85/100, inferred): Payne delivers a full-bodied and winningly downbeat comedy that mixes road-movie and buddy-film conventions with a lighter, more soulful touch than his previous work. The critic singles out the richly drawn, flawed characters and their relatable human foibles for particular praise. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/feature/113)
- **Time Out**, DC (85/100, inferred): This low-key road movie grounds mismatched friends and mishaps in serious, intelligent and affecting themes of male crisis and disappointment. The critic highlights Payne's confident restraint in pacing and humour, along with sharp oenophile dialogue, as key strengths. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/sideways)
- **Slant Magazine** (70/100, inferred): The critic notes Payne's skill as a structuralist filmmaker with pitch-perfect character moments and attractive visuals. He praises the cast but complains about a late contrivance and the director's fondness for cheap jokes. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/sideways/)
- **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's intelligent writing and sublime performances, especially from Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, as two friends embark on a wine-country road trip. Payne is commended for remaining loyal to his characters without mocking or overly praising them. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/sideways-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)

## Details

- **Director:** Alexander Payne
- **Director:** Alexander Payne
- **Screenplay:** Jim Taylor, Alexander Payne
- **Novel:** Rex Pickett
- **Cinematography:** Phedon Papamichael
- **Editor:** Kevin Tent
- **Music:** Rolfe Kent
- **Production design:** Jane Ann Stewart
- **Costume design:** Wendy Chuck
- **Producer:** Michael London
- **Cast:** Paul Giamatti as Miles; Thomas Haden Church as Jack; Virginia Madsen as Maya; Sandra Oh as Stephanie; Marylouise Burke as Miles's Mother; Jessica Hecht as Victoria; Missy Doty as Cammi; M.C. Gainey as Cammi's Husband
- **Runtime:** 2h 07m
- **First release (Canada):** 13 September 2004
- **Genres:** Comedy, Drama, Romance
- **Also in:** [Best Picture winners](https://film.one/collections/oscar-best-picture.md) (Nominee, 2004); [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Winner, 2004)
- **Budget:** $16 million
- **Box office:** $110 million

## Where to watch in Israel

- Apple TV: rent ₪16.90, hd
- Apple TV: buy ₪34.90, hd

*Checked 2026-09-14.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2005: Best Director (nominated); Best Picture (nominated); Best Supporting Actor (nominated); Best Supporting Actress (nominated); Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (won)

## If you liked this

- *Withnail and I* (1987), Fi1m 88: Another fraught holiday with difficult men whose company proves hard to relinquish. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/withnail-and-i.md)
- *Il sorpasso* (1962): A mismatched pair take to the road, with charm and carelessness competing.
- *The Lunchbox* (2013), Fi1m 75: For the tentative romance, patient observation and pleasure taken in ordinary meals. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lunchbox.md)
- *Another Round* (2020), Fi1m 80: Alcohol, male friendship and disappointment, with a more openly reckless appetite. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/another-round.md)
- *The Station Agent* (2003), Fi1m 82: A quieter study of prickly people finding friendship without becoming conveniently agreeable. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-station-agent.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/sideways