Joint Custody

Every work of art should be judged based on the artist's intent and as a result I give JOINT CUSTODY a 9/10. It's a microbudget independent film that knows its audience. Bray Films, a family owned production company, gives it a "kitchen sink" approach similar to early Wayans Bros (family) projects. While there seems to be far too many characters to keep track of who is who, the almost anthology style of story telling maintains a solid through-line of relationships within a black community - wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters - it's about how each and every one bump up against one another and try to get through their day to day life. The writing is solid in that each scene keeps the audience entertained and does an excellent job of leading to the next, but it still become quite confusing as to whose story you're trying to follow.

For Tubi audiences this is perfect. You'll get a little bit of everything with the comedy (the roasts are pure fire) and melodrama (the petty is strong) and uneven acting (not everyone needs to a line in the movie) but the sound is on point, the framing is inspired, and it does leave you wanting to see more.