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Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road is a 2008 romantic drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Justin Haythe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Revolutionary Road is a 2008 romantic drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Justin Haythe, based on Richard Yates's 1961 novel of the same name. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as a suburban Connecticut couple in the 1950s facing marital strain and unmet ambitions. It was released in a limited theatrical release on 26 December 2008.

Plot

The story centres on Frank and April Wheeler, whose marriage and personal ambitions come under strain while they raise two children in Connecticut suburbia in the mid-1950s.

Production

Revolutionary Road was directed by Sam Mendes and written by Justin Haythe, with the screenplay adapted from Richard Yates's 1961 novel. The film reunites Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who had previously starred together in Titanic.

Release and reception

The film premiered in late 2008 and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on 26 December 2008. It was later released for streaming and has been described as a drama focused on marriage, frustration, and suburban life.

Themes

Available descriptions emphasise the film's examination of marital dissatisfaction, unfulfilled dreams, and the contrast between suburban respectability and private discontent.

Key facts

  • The film was directed by Sam Mendes and adapted by Justin Haythe from Richard Yates's novel.
  • It follows Frank and April Wheeler, a married couple living in 1950s suburban Connecticut.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play the lead roles.
  • The supporting cast includes Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, and Kathy Bates.
  • The film was released in 2008 and is classified as a drama/romance film.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed internationally and is part of the English-language Hollywood repertoire commonly available to Canadian audiences through theatrical, television, and streaming release.

Frequently asked questions

What is Revolutionary Road?
Revolutionary Road is a 2008 romantic drama film directed by Sam Mendes and based on Richard Yates's novel.
Who stars in Revolutionary Road?
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, with Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, and Kathy Bates in supporting roles.
What is Revolutionary Road about?
It follows a married couple in 1950s Connecticut as they struggle with personal dissatisfaction, family responsibilities, and their hopes for a different life.
Is Revolutionary Road based on a book?
Yes. It is adapted from the 1961 novel Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates.
When was Revolutionary Road released?
It was released in 2008, with a limited U.S. theatrical release on 26 December 2008.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutionary_Road_(film)
    Supports: Film identification, director, writer, cast, and adaptation from Richard Yates's novel.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0959337/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and basic film details.
  3. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/revolutionary_road
    Supports: Genre, runtime, original language, rating, and limited theatrical release date.
  4. Paramount Pictureshttps://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/revolutionary-road
    Supports: Official studio description, cast, and premise.
  5. Amblinhttps://amblin.com/movie/revolutionary-road/
    Supports: Official synopsis, director, screenplay credit, and cast.
  6. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Revolutionary-Road
    Supports: Authoritative identification of the film by Mendes and its 2008 release.