ALL HAPPY FAMILIES is an Official Selection of the 2024 Austin Film Festival. Directed by Haroula Rose, it is about Graham Landry who lives in his brother’s place, which he also manages.
We first meet Graham as he discusses a plumbing issue with the plumber, who warns that extensive repairs are needed to prevent a potential disaster—a ticking time bomb waiting to burst when more people are in the house. This felt like a metaphor for Graham’s own life. Before long, more people do enter the house, but I’ll leave it to you to watch the film and see whether the pipes actually burst.
ALL HAPPY FAMILIES has a solid story structure and is an interesting study about the Landry family. I would consider it an ensemble film, since everyone in the film seems to have a bit of an arc even if some are more pronounced than others.
I really enjoyed this film, and if you liked movies like The Hollars or Nobody Walks, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well. Like most families, the drama depicted in this one is mostly relatable. I say it that way because not everyone has a famous actor in the family, with Will, the older Landry boy being on a successful tv show. Because of this job, Will gives the impression that he financially supports his family but all his actions prove him to be a bit sketchy. I wasn’t convinced of his stated generosity.
The set decoration in the film was excellent, and I especially appreciated the scenes that showcased parts of Chicago. It’s always a treat to get a glimpse of different cities while watching a movie—it really enhances the feeling of escapism.
I also liked the interactions of all the characters and enjoyed seeing representation of a person of color and a person of the LGBTQIA+ community too. I notice these things because I’m a woman of color and because my children and I have quite a few friends who are LGBTQ.
Although I said this is an ensemble film, the story is definitely Graham’s. And I don’t want to spoil it but the fact is there is a satisfying conclusions for him AND his mom (but mostly Graham). I’ll leave it up to you if you think the father and brother’s get what they deserve in the end.
I’ve not mentioned this yet but Josh Radnor happens to play Graham and he looks nothing like his character when he starred in the hit sitcom, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER. I’m not sure if the beard was to differentiate him from that past character but it felt right for Graham. I bought his look completely. I also really felt for Graham and it was refreshing to see a movie that wasn’t just about one person’s arc. As I mentioned, his mother comes into her own as well.
Watching ALL HAPPY FAMILIES was as satisfying as enjoying a warm bowl of baked macaroni and cheese on an autumn afternoon with my family—comforting, familiar, and heartwarming.
Melody Lopez, Producer Filmmaker Mixer Podcast (posted by Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent)
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