Film Review: The Kids Are All Right

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SPOILER ALERT!

There's a moment in The Kids Are All Right, a moment when Nic (played by Annette Bening) discovers that her long time partner Jules (played by Julianne Moore) is cheating on her with their children's sperm donor Paul (played by Mark Ruffalo).  Bening's face is frozen in fear, confusion, anger and hurt as she stoically processes her discovery while sitting at the table where they all have converged for dinner in an attempt to welcome Paul into the family.  It's tragic. It's heartbreaking. It's brilliant. As is The Kids Are All Right.

The film has so much going for it - stellar performances, subtle writing, simplicity - but what it does best is not use the whole "lesbian thing" as a crutch to tell its story.  Twenty minutes in, and you'll forget that this modern family has two moms and two children that were conceived through artificial insemination.  But what you will remember are the missed connections that each of these people try to make with one another.  And isn't that what "real" family is all about anyway? A constant effort to maintain and build better relationships with the ones you love?

Rent The Kids Are All Right.  It's charming, poignant and funny and has an ending that will leave you hopeful.

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