Swanberg's naturalistic, improvised style lets the conflict come about organically, repeatedly putting the characters in situations to which they could react with cliches but instead go with something more empathetic and nuanced.
Happy Christmas
Family is the gift that keeps on taking.
2014 · 1h 22m · R
Comedy, Drama
Directed by
Joe Swanberg
Overview
After a breakup with her boyfriend, a young woman moves in with her older brother, his wife, and their 2-year-old son.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
This semi-improvised indie accomplishes its modest goal, which is to explore the way a vexing relationship between in-laws can yield unexpected personal growth and warm bonds of affection.
I suppose it's because his father in this movie is played by his father, but I've never seen a better performance -- or whatever you want to call it -- from a two-year-old.
The script doesn't just leave things unsaid but unnoticed, and the film's conclusion isn't much more than a half-hearted well, yeah, whatever.
A slightly above average example of a kind of movie - and of a trend within movies - that needs to be encouraged.
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