अंकल फ़्रैंक

I'd almost begun to think we'd never see a movie like this again. But just when we need it most Alan Ball delivers a classically structured, beautifully written and delicately directed story that is both timely and timeless, as well as deeply moving. What appears on the surface to be a simple family saga is actually one of the most artfully constructed and thoughtfully realised movies in years. It will most likely be overlooked come award season as Hollywood rushes to honour the dumb superhero movies, pretentious gangster flicks and such - ventures in which hundreds of millions have been invested. They need those movies to succeed so the money keeps flowing, I guess. But Uncle Frank is real movie-making. I'm willing to bet you'll remember it long after you've forgotten most of 2021's Oscar nominees.

You wanna know what it's like growing up, in the closet with a homophobic, religious father when gay wasn't widely spoken of? Watch this.

Mercifully, my own father wasn't the same as this one, but he still kicked me out for being "different" than him. Twice. And thankfully, I didn't experience all what this Uncle did, but the setting was the same.

Uncle Frank is thoroughly admired by his niece and all-but shunned by everyone else in his family. He's okay with this being hundreds of miles away from them and living his own wonderful life in New York City. When tragedy strikes his family, he's forced to face more than he can handle.

Lucky for him, and I mean INCREDIBLY lucky for him, he has support from his closest loved ones. Still, the burden is more than most can bear. And I do empathize, tremendously.

It's definitely a tear-jerker, and maybe because I lived a lot of this. Maybe, also, because of the stakes, the story unravelling here. Helps we had all-around great and realistic performances, cinematography and direction. I can see a multiple of Oscar Noms for this. Well, IF there are Oscars for 2020.

Highly recommended and I hope the world's becoming more progressive. Hopefully, not too many more have to deal with this.

***

Final thoughts: Didn't think I had too many more tears in me, but they started towards the end (no spoiler) with the flowers to the mother...that definitely did it.

Paul bettany is such an underrated actor.

I laughed, I cried.

Great Sunday afternoon post roastie 1 glass of wine down watch.

This is such a beautiful story. It moved me to tears.

This is a film of love, partners, family and mostly self. A beautifully shot, thoughtful take on the challenges of traditional 70's thinking and the challenges of a gay life within a family.

A superbly acted film, tense and moving, warmed with love. It's not an easy watch, and shouldn't be. In saying that it has fun and warmth. Recommended.