THE PERFECT FAMILY

Groupthink doesn't live here, critical thought does.

This ad-free website is dedicated to Agnès Varda and to Luis Buñuel.

Get cool rewards when you click on the button to pledge your support through Patreon. Thanks a lot pal! Your kind generosity keeps the reviews coming!

 

Director Anne Renton’s feature debut is a low-key family comedy that succeeds primarily on the shoulders of its capable leading lady. Kathleen Turner turns her potentially one-dimensional role into a beautiful and complex performance as Eileen Cleary, a dedicated Catholic whose chance to be ordained Catholic Woman of the Year is hitting a few snags.

The fact that the title comes with sin-clearing absolution sweetens the prospect considerably. Eileen’s pregnant daughter Shannon (Emily Deschanel) is about to marry a woman. Her fireman son Frank (Jason Ritter) is not only getting a divorce, but spends much public face-time with a local beautician (Theresa Henessy).

A looming home visit by the clergy means that Eileen must put on a good living room show lest she suffer a brand of terrible humiliation she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. Jason Ritter is a victim of miscasting. Emily Deschanel, however, runs with the ball as believable lesbian in love with her mate (Angelique Cabral). Without putting too fine a point on the Catholic Church’s arch stance toward gays, “The Perfect Family” makes a clear and welcome humanitarian statement. It also provides Kathleen Turner with an opportunity to shine as a mature woman who’s not afraid to grow even if she’s terribly intimidated by the process.

Rated PG-13. 84 mins.

Groupthink doesn't live here, critical thought does.

This website is dedicated to Agnès Varda and to Luis Buñuel.

Get cool rewards when you click on the button to pledge your support through Patreon.