Marriage, Tension, and the Quest for Family

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Mattachine Family
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Andy Vallentine
Writer(s): Andy Vallentine, Danny Vallentine
Cast: Nico Tortorella, Emily Hampshire, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Heather Matarazzo
Where To Watch: available nationwide on digital June 4, 2024, and on Blu-ray June 25

RAVING REVIEW: With THE MATTACHINE FAMILY, director Andy Vallentine blends intimate drama with the harsh reality of societal critique, presenting a film that reflects on the deep emotional currents of queer life with all with a careful and purposeful hand.

THE MATTACHINE FAMILY starts on a powerful note as Thomas (Nico Tortorella) and Oscar (Juan Pablo Di Pace) grapple with the return of their foster child to his biological family. This twist strains their relationship and sets a somber tone for exploring their future together. Vallentine uses this moment to peel back and look into the personal conflict and expectations of the world around them.

Central to this narrative is Tortorella's compelling performance, which depicts his profound desire to be a parent amidst personal anguish and past traumas. Alongside him, Di Pace's Oscar is caught at a career juncture that challenges his professional and home life, adding a realistic tension that resonates throughout the storyline.

The film's supporting cast, including Emily Hampshire, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Heather Matarazzo, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Jake Choi, and others, portray a spectrum of family structures. The film's experiences with IVF and alternative parenting enrich the dialogue on diverse queer experiences, adding depth to the primary narrative and offering viewers a broader perspective on family dynamics within the LGBTQIA+ community. While also perhaps unintentionally showing why republican lawmakers are trying to ban IVF after overturning Roe v. Wade.

THE MATTACHINE FAMILY is striking, utilizing Thomas’s photography to weave a visual subplot that enhances the dialogue and provides a window into his inner world. However, some of Vallentine’s directorial choices edge towards the dramatic, especially in scenes intended to heighten tension, which can occasionally clash with the film's predominantly authentic tone.

Influenced by genuine discussions, the screenplay injects a more profound and insightful depth into the film. It thoughtfully portrays the nuanced struggles of forming a queer family, offering an engaging and relatable viewing experience. This authenticity helps the film connect with audiences, making the characters' journeys feel personal and universal.

Despite a narrative that sometimes treads into somewhat predictable territory, THE MATTACHINE FAMILY navigates the complex interplay between individual desires and shared responsibilities within a relationship. The film excels in depicting the internal and external pressures that can disrupt intimate bonds, brought to life through poignant performances that add vibrancy and depth to the script.

THE MATTACHINE FAMILY extends beyond simple storytelling to provoke thought on more significant issues of identity, belonging, and the evolution of family in the modern era. It offers a nuanced examination of the challenges and triumphs in the lives of queer individuals, making significant contributions to LGBTQIA+ cinema. This film is not only a piece of entertainment but also a mirror reflecting the ongoing struggles and changes within queer communities. All of this, while combining a personal touch with historical importance, Mattachine Society (founded in 1950, was an early national gay rights organization in the United States, preceded by several covert and open organizations, such as Chicago's Society for Human Rights.) The film is noteworthy and captivates a diverse audience. It delves into the essence of modern queer life with sincerity and sophistication, making it a crucial piece of cinema for anyone interested in the realities of contemporary experiences.

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[photo courtesy of GIANT PICTURES]

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