As a child of immigrants myself, I found “Families Like Ours” to be a profoundly moving and thought-provoking series that resonated deeply with my own experiences. The way it portrays the hardship and struggles of immigrants, particularly those who don’t fit the stereotypical profile, is nothing short of brilliant. It’s important for media to depict the reality of immigration in all its complexity, and this show does so beautifully.
In most disaster movies, the events unfold in the present tense since we don’t typically view future disasters as immediate threats, even when their occurrence seems inevitable. The challenge in portraying the devastating consequences of global warming through art or politics lies in this: if people can’t see it, they won’t believe it. It’s like people leaping from a burning building immediately but ignoring the gradual rise in water temperature that eventually boils the frog. This creative dilemma is tackled by Thomas Vinterberg and his co-writer Bo Hr. Hansen in their series, Families Like Ours, which depicts a Denmark where living conditions have deteriorated to such an extent that evacuation becomes necessary.
Similar to the works of Vinterberg, such as “The Celebration,” “The Hunt,” and his Oscar-winning “Another Round,” the miniseries is both a social critique and an intimate drama. Titled “Families Like Ours,” it delves into the true implications of rising water levels from multiple perspectives, offering insights about our shared human condition. Unlike the over-the-top disaster sequences typical of Roland Emmerich’s style, this series prefers to create a sense of realism and tension. A typhoon might not be what ultimately threatens these characters; instead, they may face desperate looters, human traffickers, hunger, poverty, or anti-refugee sentiment. That’s our potential future.
Whether you “believe” in it or not, the water is rising. Jakarta, the current capital city of Indonesia, will be completely underwater in 16 years. A $40 billion sea wall has been under construction, but the 11 million people who live in the city will need to be evacuated. This will then happen to Tokyo, Mumbai, New York City, Istanbul, London, Miami, and Bangkok as well, and by the end of the century, it will be nearly impossible to live in an area we currently call coastal but will soon refer to as, well, water. If you think the world has issues with immigration now, that’s going to increase 100-fold this century.
What Happens When Your Country Disappears?
The story unfolds during a six-month period as our family, along with many others in Denmark, prepares for a complete evacuation due to impending flooding that will make the country uninhabitable. Subsequently, we delve into the lives of some Danish emigrants, including young Laura who is on the brink of adulthood and her high school graduation. Fresh from its premiere at TIFF, “Families Like Ours” showcases exceptional talent in various aspects, yet it occasionally slips into emotional manipulation that can become tiresome. Despite this, it stands out as one of the few pieces of art that convincingly and dramatically tackles the most pressing crisis humanity currently faces.
Similar to José Saramago’s novel Blindness, the series Families Like Ours captivates with its depth and intrigue as it delves into intricate, everyday details. The show is deeply immersed in its theme, offering a vivid portrayal of what a nationwide evacuation might entail. New administrative structures are established, and individuals find themselves scheduling meetings at drab offices reminiscent of the Department of Motor Vehicles to discuss housing and employment opportunities across various countries.
Migration occurs in various flows, with the affluent typically departing first. Subsequently, the outcome varies based on factors such as your expertise, linguistic abilities, family ties, associates, passport privileges, and so forth. Depending on your circumstances, you might end up in a luxurious Parisian apartment with a new job, or you could wind up in a crowded Romanian hostel, even having to share a bathroom with multiple individuals. Regardless of the situation, it’s time to move on.
A Young Woman & Her Family Survive the Death of Denmark
Laura + Elias 4Ever
The show provides a dual perspective, focusing on a single family – Laura, her parents, stepparents, uncle, brother, grandparents, and boyfriend. This family serves as the central storyline, but other lives connected to Laura are also included in this grand narrative. The series skillfully blends personal stories with broader societal issues, often examining the intricacies of an apocalyptic bureaucracy through this one family and vice versa. However, some critics argue that it’s too much for a single family to carry, leading to overly dramatic scenes at times. In the title Families Like Ours, the ‘ours’ could represent any family dealing with similar challenges, making the narrative relatable yet complex.
Similar to many immigrants, Laura (portrayed exceptionally by Amaryllis August) navigates the challenges of straddling two cultures, a struggle compounded by her parents’ divorce, which divides her time between two homes. Her role as a caretaker to her own mother further complicates her situation. During her senior year, she forms a passionate relationship with Elias, played by Albert Rudbeck Lindhardt, who is set to become a heartthrob. He embodies the essence of a young Leonardo DiCaprio, radiating deep emotions yet maintaining an endless enthusiasm and willingness to please.
An Epic Romance Thwarted by Annoying Emotional Manipulation
In essence, the series “Families Like Ours” evolves into a kind of grand romance involving Laura and Elias, who are united prior to Denmark’s downfall. They valiantly struggle to reconnect after the disaster, which takes them to different countries following an evacuation and a mishap. Their individual journeys to find each other are so gripping that they could easily stand alone as a film — it’s intense, romantic, picturesque, and profoundly moving. Regrettably, this odyssey is marred by the same issue that affects “Families Like Ours” most: a tendency towards overly sentimental storytelling.
Let me be clear: Families Like Ours is an exceptional series, one that may even surpass its own greatness in terms of importance. However, there’s a minor issue that occasionally arises – the need to fabricate tension and drama where it seems unnecessary. This can sometimes make certain characters rather annoying. For instance, Laura, who initially chooses to emigrate with her mother over her father, then switches to her father’s side, only to return to her mother later. Each change is portrayed as if life-altering decisions are at stake.
In Families Like Ours, the emotional manipulation is not confined to Laura’s dilemma, which results in immense pain for all involved and may even provoke a sense of disdain (yet, the young woman has already endured more than her fair share of hardships due to her errors). Instead, you find yourself feeling emotionally manipulated throughout the series, surpassing the typical emotional response that art aims to evoke. It’s much like the story of the boy who cried wolf; you start to doubt and lose interest in some of the decisions portrayed in this show, as it’s highly probable they will be reversed by the end of the very same episode.
Families Like Ours Has Surprisingly Great Supporting Characters
And a Dreamy, Pitch-Perfect Esben Smed
It’s truly unfortunate that the overly dramatic and emotionally manipulative tone detracts from what is otherwise nearly flawless, such as the beautiful and agonizing romance in Families Like Ours. The story it tells about love’s transformation from innocent dreams to reality is captivating. Additionally, the other characters and subplots are remarkably well-done and prevent the show from feeling overly complex or excessive.
Perhaps it’s Laura’s step-uncle, Esben Smed (who plays Nikolaj), that steals the show. The captivating subplot involving him and his husband Magnus Millang as Henrik is always a delight to watch. These two actors are a joy to witness, with Smed particularly standing out. After watching them in this series, you’ll find yourself eagerly seeking more of Smed’s past performances (for he’s truly exceptional). The way Nikolaj and Henrik’s tale intertwines and complements Laura’s is mesmerizing, moving, and almost ethereal.
Building on that point, David Dencik delivers an unforgettable performance as Henrik’s sneaky, despicable brother. His character subtly weaves into the narrative in a remarkably clever way, mirroring some of the show’s broader themes with Henrik. The ensemble is generally strong, but Thomas Bo Larsen as Holger seems to lack depth or development compared to others. Despite being a talented actor, Larsen’s portrayal of Holger and his storyline feel more like functional story elements rather than fully realized characters, showcasing untapped potential.
When the Waters Rise, We’ll All Be Immigrants
In Families Like Ours, while the heart-wrenching family drama is what primarily captivates you, it’s the meticulous directing by Vinterberg and the extensive screenplay he co-wrote with Hansen that truly sets the show apart.
As a passionate admirer, let me express how Vinterberg masterfully orchestrates grand spectacles – from turbulent street protests to chaotic dock scenes – yet skillfully captures subtle, chilling moments that resonate deeply. A poignant scene comes when a neighbor, as they depart, is queried about leaving their pet behind. In response, the neighbor subtly signals with a finger across their throat, hinting at the dog’s demise, unbeknownst to the children. The film paints a vivid picture of the complexities, uncertainties, and underlying politics through both its sweeping and intimate details.
The way these writers skillfully illustrate the challenges faced by non-stereotypical migrants is truly impressive. In the novel Families Like Ours, the characters are white, multilingual Europeans, yet they still experience harsh treatment due to their refugee status. Scenes depicting them struggling without work visas, scrounging for a place to sleep, have a deep impact. This is crucial as many people associate “immigrant” with individuals of dark skin and foreign languages. With rising sea levels, it’s likely that most of the world’s population will need to move. Families Like Ours serves as a poignant reminder that we may all one day face similar challenges as “illegal immigrants” in an ever-changing homeland.
The achievement of Vinterberg and Hansen with the film “Families Like Ours” is nothing short of essential in today’s world, given our urgent need to address climate change and immigration. They manage to make it both emotionally compelling and artistically refined. It may provoke you and stir up feelings, yes, and that can be frustrating at times. However, the impact it makes more than compensates for this. In many aspects, it serves as a guide or blueprint for similar productions. “Families Like Ours” premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Keep an eye out for further details about its release schedule and locations. Stay tuned for more information on how and when to watch “Families Like Ours.
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2024-09-17 16:33