All Happy Families: Review. By Ayrton-Lewis Avery.

All Happy Families is the cliché story of a man (named Graham, played by Josh Radnor), whose brother (Will, played by Rob Huebel) is more successful than him, his mother is more successful, and his whole family is better than him. He is an aspiring actor, but has yet to get his big breakthrough. And meanwhile he lives in a horrible bachelor pad, dirty, eating cheese puffs as he contemplates his failures, and sometimes even sleeps on the couch.

The film begins with the quote “all happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Throughout, we have to ask, is that true? After all, this movie is so relatable, that I was wondering throughout, do I know a family like this? And a man who is dateless and childless, despite quickly aging, is trying to make something out of himself. There is such a contrast between him, his neighbors, and his family. Can we ever feel happy for this hero? We will find out.

What was first a successful career now becomes a horrible mess. After his brother is accused of sexual harassment, he suddenly wants to ruin Graham’s career. It becomes even more clear that the family is dysfunctional after his brother offers him cocaine, and his mother offers her grandson a sip of wine. Frankly, she could not have chosen a worse time to retire. Just as her career is ending, another one is being destroyed. 

Unlike some other family films, the issues do not get resolved. Indeed, the issues grow more complicated. After all, a family is bad enough. Then add in girlfriends and their families too. However, the issue is the heart of the film. The entire first half felt boring enough. But as the problems grew more extreme, I was more drawn into the plot.

The film is not political either, despite being a portrait of bad masculinity. The film criticizes his behavior and shows him descending deeper into madness. But the rest of the family is also strange in their own way, like most moderately wealthy American families who split their time between gentrified Chicago and the all-white suburb. This family is exactly that kind of fake liberal, but the movie does not judge them or applaud them for this. 

The most heartwarming motif in this is the plumber. At the beginning, Graham’s refusal to have the plumber fix anything is a symptom of his depression and failing career. Then throughout the film, the plumber reminds to ignore the detrimental influences around him and focus on bettering his life. Then the plumber gives him enough courage to ask out his girlfriend. The critical contrast of a successful working-class man in a wealthy neighborhood is the only thing ensuring our hero’s sanity. 

Overall, this film is quite funny, while still grappling with some very serious themes. 

Rating: 7/10

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