by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is over Zoom? Many of us have spent endless hours on the video conferencing platform for either work or social interactions. The film industry jumped on board as well, as they utilized the platform to continue filming during the pandemic. We have seen films that used desktop visuals before (Unfriended and Searching,to name a few), but the group discussion format became commonplace during the early days of COVID. This certainly was overdone, but you can see how this platform could be an interesting way to convey a story.
How has writer-director Stephanie Laing leveraged this platform to create her familial comedy, Family Squares? This story focuses on the death of the matriarch of quite the dysfunctional family unit. This sassy old woman left behind a middle-aged wife, an estranged son, and a daughter who is a matriarch in her own right and whose five children and two grandchildren are left to mourn. The film balances the groups’ funeral ceremonies and will readings (these are full of tense awkwardness) with low budget camerawork which captures these characters in their own space. You can tell this film was done on the cheap without much in terms of filmmaking panache, but it serves the story fine. The stationary camera does leave it all on the actor to capture the emotion of the film.
Does this incredible cast of actors deliver the goods? The crown jewel of this ensemble is certainly June Squibb, who is hilarious in her approach to sassing her family in her final moments as well as beyond the grave. Ann Dowd portrays the few straight characters in the film, but she is an emotional anchor (even if her subplot feels a bit underwritten and unnecessary). Henry Winkler is a fun time as the much-maligned uncle who has been absent for much of the characters’ lives. (Esteemed character actress) Margo Martindale is the perfect choice for humor and pathos as the head of her own family. Billy Magnussen, Scott McArthur, and Timothy Simons are great additions as Martindale’s sons, each of whom have their own conflicts and fun along the way. Simons has an endearing, yet strained relationship with his daughter (played so well by Eighth Grade star Elsie Fisher). Casey Wilson and Judy Greer are Martindale’s two daughters, with Wilson delivering plenty of sass and Greer offering up plenty of emotion. Sprinkle in some fun moments from Sam Richardson and Zoe Chao and you have yourself a fun and hearty ensemble.
What does Laing offer this cast in terms of her screenplay? There is a decent amount of mystery along the way that builds some legitimate tension for the audience. The humor is on point (for the most part), making this film one of the funniest features of 2022 so far. Each character is given time to breathe or show dimensions to their personality (a triumph for a film with so many characters to begin with). The subplots for the characters range from cliché to surprising, poignant, and moving. The film can balance COVID in the story without making it too forced, allowing for the real narrative to get plenty of time to breath and be fleshed out.
Does Family Squares overcome its restrictive production to offer up a worthy cinematic experience? If you go in looking for strong and ambitious filmmaking, this will probably leave you disappointed. If you are here for laughs, emotionally resonant experiences, and a fun ensemble of characters, this one is right up your alley. Kudos to Laing and this game cast for delivering such a quality film.
Grade: B
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