Review: THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

In light of the current state of gay rights in America, it is no wonder that Hollywood has boldly chosen to explore same-sex relationships. The Kids Are All Right takes on the topic by wrapping it in a pretty, indie package and delivering it to audiences in hopes of striking an emotional chord.

The Kids Are All Right aims to dissect an unconventional family as they come to terms with changing circumstances. Nic (Annette Benning) and Jules (Julianne Moore) are a lesbian couple with two children, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), from the same sperm donor. At her brother’s request, when Joni turns 18, she contacts the sperm bank in order to find their biological father. The man in question is Paul (Mark Ruffalo), a laid-back restauranteur happily living the single life. After their initial meeting, Joni and Laser decide to involve Paul in their lives, thus introducing him to their mothers and upsetting the family dynamic.

It should come as no surprise that Benning and Moore steal the show. Both actresses get what it is to be these two very different women in a long term relationship, struggling to retain their individualities without losing sight of their love for one another. They are inarguably the heart of this film. Central female performances aside, the overall aesthetic of The Kids Are All Right is captivating, marked by vivid colors and lush scenery. Los Angeles is virtually transformed by the cinematographer’s vision. Wide shots from Paul’s organic garden overlooking a smog-free city are hopeful but no doubt enhance the hip, modern tone of the film, therefore achieving their purpose.

For as rich and fleshed out as the roles of Nic and Jules are, the supporting cast isn’t given much to do in front of the camera. Wasikowska, Hutcherson, and Ruffalo all do the best that they can under the circumstances, but the fact of the matter is that all three are merely props aiding in the development of the film’s true stars. Joni and Laser dip in and out and Paul essentially falls off after causing conflict. Though I ate up every last minute of screen time given to Benning and Moore, I ultimately felt somewhat mislead.

See this one for the show-stopping women at the heart of it (especially Benning, who has received enough Oscar buzz to practically ensure her a nomination), but don’t be surprised if you find it a bit overconfident.

Rating: 4/5