MOVIE REVIEW
All Happy Families
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Haroula Rose
Writer(s): Coburn Goss, Haroula Rose
Cast: Josh Radnor, Becky Ann Baker, Rob Huebel, John Ashton, Chandra Russell, Ivy O'Brien, David Pasquesi, Antoine McKay
Where To Watch: available on DVD November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: “Fuck Melatonin, fix your pipes.” With an elegant touch and an eye for relationship dynamics, director Haroula Rose's ALL HAPPY FAMILIES examines deep into the heart of a Chicago family grappling with long-buried secrets and unexpected confrontations over one rough weekend. This is an intelligent, raw exploration of the bonds and deep-seated divisions that define the Landrys, offering a slice of life as nuanced as truthful.

The story revolves around Graham Landry, portrayed by Josh Radnor, with a rich blend of vulnerability and determination. A former actor whose career never took off, Graham now manages his childhood home as a rental property, a task that ties him down with weighty obligations. His life takes a twist when Dana, an old college friend played by Chandra Russell, steps back into his life, intending to lease his apartment. This connection sparks potential for new beginnings, yet it's laced with complexities and challenges that test their bond.

On the other side of Graham’s world is his brother Will, a “successful” television actor whose external sheen of success misrepresents his inner insecurities. Rob Huebel’s portrayal highlights a sibling rivalry that adds depth and poignancy to the unfolding drama. Their parents, Sue and Roy—brought to life with captivating realism by Becky Ann Baker and John Ashton—add their struggles to the mix. Sue’s recent encounter with workplace harassment and Roy’s gambling issues paint a vivid picture of an older generation struggling to find their footing in a world that's left them behind. Evie Landy (Ivy O'Brien,) Graham’s niece, adds a fantastic mix to the film, especially with one of the most heartfelt and straightforward exchanges with Ashton’s Roy toward the film's end.

Rose steers clear of melodrama, opting for authenticity that resonates throughout the film. The screenplay, a collaborative creation with Coburn Goss, is a mix of humor, struggles, and heart, striking a balance that rings true to the ups and downs of real life. The sharp yet sensitive dialogue hits close to home. The humor throughout the film acts as a perfect foil to the heavier, more somber themes, highlighting the absurdity and tragedy often intertwined in family life.

ALL HAPPY FAMILIES excels in portraying profoundly flawed yet fundamentally different characters. The Landrys are not mere caricatures but fully realized individuals, each with flaws and virtues, caught in the web of their shared history and complex relationships. The film also addresses broader societal themes such as aging, identity, and the search for personal significance in the face of change. These elements are integrated into the character narratives, portrayed with a sophistication that steers clear of preachiness.

In conclusion, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES offers a compelling look at a family as endearingly dysfunctional as it is loving. Rose’s film doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, choosing instead to find beauty and authenticity in imperfection. The film stands out as an exploration of what it means to love amid imperfections, offering a powerful addition to the cinematic landscape.

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[photo courtesy of ATTIC LIGHT FILMS, CHICAGO MEDIA ANGELS, GLASS BEAD FILMS, LUCKY NUMBER 8 PRODUCTIONS, NEON HEART PRODUCTIONS, POGI STUDIOS, TEN TO THE SIX PICTURES]

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