That, in the midst of a continuous string of Hollywood-produced superheroes movies, comics adaptations, tired franchises and unnecessary remakes, American cinema can still produce intelligent, mature and thought-provoking films should be cause for celebration. And it's darn entertaining too.
Nic and Jules are in a long-term relationship. They have two teenage kids: Joni and Laser. They clearly love each other, but domestic life - and its myriad small compromises and annoyances - has slowly but surely dulled the happy-family picture. The fact that Nic and Jules are two middle-aged women is neither an issue nor a statement (which by the way is refreshing and welcome). When the sperm-donor is contacted by his children and starts forging a relationship with them, the fragile balance of the whole family is shaken to its core.
This movie is a real delight. The situations and character motivations really rang true. The clever (but never smug) dialogue was delivered in a top-notch fashion by the brilliant cast. Although Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo were pitch-perfect, it's Annette Bening who amazes with a role that at first might appear thankless but ultimately breaks your heart. And congratulations to the two lead-ladies for discarding botox and multi-layered make-up and looking like real women rather than screen icons.
And did I say it was funny? Well, it really is. So if you like your entertaining to have a bit of heart and brain, that should be right up your alley.