Director Haroula Rose co-wrote All Happy Families with Coburn Gross. The comedic drama particulars a turbulent few days within the lives of the Landrys. Graham (Josh Radnor) is looking for that huge break in performing, although there’s curiosity in a script he wrote. He’s making ready to hire out his childhood dwelling, and lo and behold, the potential new tenant is his school crush, Dana (Chandra Russell). The two decide up as if no time has handed and flirt rather a lot. Unfortunately, preparations for Dana shifting in hit a snag when Graham’s brother, tv star Will (Rob Huebel), unexpectedly returns to Chicago.
These occasions coincide with Graham and Will’s mother, Sue (Becky Ann Baker), so she and father Roy (John Ashton) are coming to assist end up the packing whatnot of the home. However, Sue is hiding a secret in regards to the retirement social gathering from her husband. This, mixed with the actual motive Will hurriedly left Hollywood, threatens to tear the Landrys’ fragile relationships aside. Even worse, it derails Graham and Dana’s budding romance earlier than it actually begins.
All Happy Families finds the candy spot between comedy and drama. The seriousness of Sue’s sexual assault by the hands of her boss is handled realistically. Graham’s self-deprecation and Will’s furthering of his anxiousness present moments of levity. Each scene provides layers to the characters, rendering everybody three-dimensional.
“…the actual motive Will hurriedly left Hollywood threatens to tear the Landrys’ fragile relationships aside.”
Of course, a part of these folks’s likability comes right down to the performances. Radnor sheds the pet dogness of his most well-known function with Graham. He’s romantic but overthinking in a manner that feels actual. Huebel is stellar in a sophisticated half that might spoil issues to enter an excessive amount of element about. Russell is superb, bringing heat and sweetness to her half. Sue is the least comedic character, however Baker brings the correct amount of weight to the half. Ashton has a beautiful scene at a bar that cements how good he’s at enjoying laconic.
Unfortunately, All Happy Families simply ends abruptly. There’s decision to 1 storyline, form of, and the remainder are left with solely minor motion. The Landrys are well-drawn, and their varied pitfalls and few highs are attractive sufficient to maintain all watching. Thus, it’s irritating that the in any other case gifted writers didn’t embody an actual ending. No, not all the things wants a tidy little bow on the finish, however a way of how the characters shifted or modified and the place they (may) go subsequent is critical. Otherwise, why inform any story about these characters in any respect?
Even although issues cease on a dime, All Happy Families remains to be a superb function. The dialogue flows authentically, and the characters are fascinating. The forged is spectacular, with every actor totally understanding their roles.
For extra details about All Happy Families, go to Haroula Rose’s Facebook web page.
