The Kids Are All Right: The Indie Dramedy
Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson
Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko
Other Nominated Categories: Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Original Screenplay
*Warning: This article contains spoilers.
I’ll be honest; The Kids Are All Right was one of the movies I had to rent before writing this piece, not because I didn’t want to see it, but because I wasn’t really aware of it. This was one of the films that slipped by me this season, most unfortunately. Of course I’m going to suggest you see this movie (as I probably will for every of the 10 films), but not simply because it is a Best Picture contender.
The film follows Nic (Bening) and Jules (Moore), a married lesbian couple in the throes of raising their two teenage children. When daughter Joni (Wasikowska) turns 18, her brother Laser (Hutcherson) begs her to call the sperm bank that their mothers, who respectively birthed one apiece, used to find a donor dad. The sperm bank contacts Paul (Ruffalo), who is quite eager to meet his spawn. Thus sets the stage for this Southern California summertime dramedy.
All in all, the film sets a beautiful stage. It shows us what an alternative family looks like without being political about its agenda. It simply is. The Kids Are All Right brings to film what Modern Family brought to television. Cholodenko sheds light on struggles that aren’t necessarily considered in a “regular” family, thus stirring the movie equal parts comedy and drama. She does this without really trying — until we get to the complexity of the relationships.
Everything was believable until (SPOILER ALERT) Jules and Paul began their affair. I may have yelled at the TV screen. It was the easy way out and, to be honest, expected. It would have done more for the film had Jules stayed true to Nic. Yes, her depression would have brought her to a breaking point eventually, but their characters would have been stronger had the physical relationship between Jules and Paul not happened. When Nic and company find out about the deception, we catch a glimpse of why the kids are (maybe) right. They reveal the maturity and grace that their mothers should have exhibited throughout the film. This is especially true of Joni. Yes, Joni has her freak out moment, but she acts out in a way that brings her parents back to what really matter: the kids. The kids are what it’s all about, people. It’s about what’s best for them; about making it work for them. It’s about being the best parent you can be for your kids, no matter the family dynamic.
We come back to this principle in the film’s final scene, as Joni is moving into her dorm at an unnamed California college. Everyone says their goodbyes, and the next chapter of their lives begins. For Joni, it’s learning to grow up. For Jules and Nic, it’s rebuilding their relationship. As their SUV drives off, there’s that moment of silent reflection for all. Everyone is going to be all right. (Except Paul, who gets locked out of the house. Bad dog, Paul, bad!) Some have argued that this ending was flawed, but I don’t believe so. It does exactly what a good movie should; it gives the viewer the possibility of a continued story.
Let’s divulge, shall we, to the quality of acting this film displays. In my opinion, this is the best ensemble cast of the year. The characters play off one another in a way that is familiar to all. Whether you have been the child or the parent, the roles seem comforting in the fact that we are able to recognize something of ourselves in each of them. We relate to Nic’s overbearing nature and Jules’ seemingly carefree tone. We understand Joni’s need to be independent and Laser’s need to have a father. We know Paul’s need to be a part of something. And this is what makes the movie work.
As for the Best Actress category, it will come down to whom the Academy favors more: Bening or Portman? This is Bening’s fourth nomination and Portman’s second (her first was for a supporting role in 2005’s Closer). Although Portman is favored to win in this category, the ease with which Bening plays neurotic Nic is noteworthy. And what about Ruffalo? He is nominated for his supporting role as puppy dog Paul, but can he win? I believe the Academy will favor Christian Bale for his role as Dicky Eklund in The Fighter, but it’s nice to see Ruffalo honored for once.
Bottom Line: The Academy granting The Kids Are All Right the Best Picture award is doubtful, but this gem will teach you more about life than perhaps any of the other nominees.
SOURCES:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/
http://filmexperience.blogspot.com/2010/07/dreams-come-true-nathaniels-a…
http://incontention.com/2010/07/06/moore-and-ruffalo-are-all-right-too/
http://incontention.com/2010/06/23/ruffalo-is-back-with-kids/
http://incontention.com/2010/02/17/review-the-kids-are-all-right-12/