Review: The Kids Are All Right

Hey folks! Let’s chat about “The Kids Are All Right,” a flick that won its way into my heart like a typical Swedish summer, with its unpredictable drama mixed with bursts of sunshine. Directed by the fabulous Lisa Cholodenko, whose knack for capturing the messy beauty of family life is nothing short of impressive.

First off, can we just talk about the brilliant ensemble cast? Julianne Moore and Annette Bening are pure magic together, playing a couple whose world is hilariously and tenderly upended. These actors could probably just read the phone book and I’d be riveted, but their chemistry here is as satisfying as that first bite of a warm kanelbulle. Then there’s Mark Ruffalo, the cool biological dad who just happens to stroll in, as smooth as a Stockholm jazz club.

Let me take you back a few years when I first saw the film; I was instantly reminded of a midsommar gathering in Skåne where everyone, including the younger crowd, seemed to be hiding some family secret. You know that feeling when you’re balancing between laughter and subtle awkwardness? That’s the vibe here.

The film grapples with themes of family, identity, and those wobbly bits of life that don’t quite fit the puzzle. There’s a beauty in the chaos as Cholodenko stitches together a narrative that’s as raw as it is relatable. And yes, her screenplay with Stuart Blumberg? Skickligt, I tell you. Maybe the pace drags a tad now and then, like waiting for a delayed SJ train, but the emotional payoff is worth it.

I think the film sits at the crossroads of heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and a cheeky nod to life’s unpredictability—something like a cinematic smörgåsbord. You get a bit of everything, and oh boy, is it tasty. Ever left a film smiling and pondering life all at once? Then you’ll dig this gem. Watch it, feel it, and let’s chat after.

Check the trailer below