As a cinephile who’s seen more movies than I care to count, I can confidently say that Heather Graham’s latest directorial venture, “Chosen Family,” is a breath of fresh air. This film, which she also wrote and stars in, is a delightful exploration of chosen families, a concept that’s become increasingly relevant in today’s world.
You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family. That’s how the adage always went, at least until we started to expand our definition of family. Yes, the notion of a chosen clan is ever-growing in popularity, and it’s being explored on the big screen in a variety of ways. There are darker explorations like the Jesse Eisenberg film Manodrome from earlier this year, and now, on a much lighter note, there’s the quite obviously titled Chosen Family, a passion project from the always charming Heather Graham (who writes, directs, and stars in the film).
In our previous conversation, Graham was portraying a tough Western character trying to safeguard her daughter in the movie “Place of Bones.” Now, her new character Ann is struggling to bond with another girl’s daughter, resulting in an awkwardly humorous climax for “Chosen Family” that could trigger distressing memories about family issues for some millennials and Gen X viewers. That’s the magic of filmmaking!
Hot Yoga, Hot Mess
Graham has skillfully created a delightful scenario where dependable, recognizable characters grace the supporting roles, notably Thomas Lennon (from “Reno 911!”) as Ann’s friend Max. Ann’s close-knit circle expands to include friends Frances (Odessa Rae) and Roz (Andrea Savage), who collaborate to find Ann a perfect match amidst a series of disappointing dates and broken relationships. It’s worth noting that even a yoga instructor can struggle with tranquility, and it doesn’t help when Ann’s unconventional family, particularly her quirky would-be singer mother Dorothy (Julie Halston), are always nearby to keep Ann on edge in the most challenging ways possible.
In this scenario, Annie must establish personal limits (something we all could use), while simultaneously monitoring her sister, Chloe (played by Julia Stiles), who is struggling with drug addiction and is constantly at risk of another slip-up. It can be tough. The majority of the screen time belongs to Annie in this case, which works well for the narrative, but the scenes where she clashes with Chloe are among the most impactful in the film’s succinct 87-minute duration.
Heather Graham & Julia Stiles Remain Timeless Talents
When you think of Julia Stiles, your mind may take a trip down memory lane to 25 years ago, specifically her raw and truthful portrayal in the classic comedy “10 Things I Hate About You”, where we sadly lost Heath Ledger. As you watch the character she plays in her new comedy “Chosen Family”, it will become clear why this is so – but you may find yourself eagerly wanting more of both her character and Thomas Lennon’s.
Over time, it appears neither Stiles nor Graham have significantly aged and have even improved their acting skills. With Graham portraying a solo yoga instructor in her latest project, many fans might become quite excited. Interestingly, she often appears in a bikini for vlog updates related to her character’s online followers, which seems like an intentional commentary. However, it is Graham’s dedication to bring Chosen Family to life that makes her worth falling in love with all over again.
Meet Your Worst Nightmare: A 7-Year-Old Girl
In a surprising turn of events, Ann finds herself paired with divorced father Steve (previously seen on Fuller House, played by John Brotherton), a man who leaves viewers wondering: Could anyone really divorce such an attractive and captivating individual? Perhaps it was Steve who ended the relationship, or maybe the child he shares with his ex-spouse has, over time, indirectly contributed to unfixable issues. Of course, it’s not fair to blame the kids – but have you met seven-year-old Lilly?
In the captivating film “Chosen Family,” up-and-coming actress Ella Grace Helton portrays a character that is nothing short of extraordinary, to say the least. When she makes her entrance on screen, it’s as if she swallows the entire movie whole, with her eyes, reminiscent of childhood innocence yet harboring devastation. The depth and complexity of Lilly’s character could fill an entire essay, exploring her possible psychological conditions and the role she plays in the narrative.
Although “she’s just a kid” is an argument that can be made, it may become necessary to take a break from her character’s relentless, disrespectful behavior. This character, who seems to have little regard for others’ feelings and frequently expresses herself in a crude manner, often gives the impression of “I don’t care if you understand me or not.” However, Ann’s friends provide a respite from this chaos, and the acting talents of Graham, Stiles, and Lennon help balance out Lilly’s character.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that the predictable flow of the main plot was somewhat expected, but boy, did it deliver an unexpectedly hilarious and heartwarming twist from Graham! This little indie film can be quite entertaining at times and manages to strike a chord about modern-day boundaries in our lives. And guess what? You can catch “Chosen Family” on the big screen or stream it online through Brainstorm Media on platforms like YouTube, Google Play, Fandango Now, and Apple TV – just follow the link below!
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2024-10-12 01:05