Uncle Frank

In regards to cinema, LGBTQ elements can be tricky areas to navigate depending on how are intended to be utilized. If they are in supportive minor roles, sometimes they are portrayed as that flamboyant best friend. However, if they are the main focus, often times will find those journeys filled with anguish and torment with their uncomfortable conflict. With how repetitive that trend can be in movies, they need strong aspects in them to make sure those expected depressing parts don't feel tired and recycled. This brings to to a new entry within that type of group, Uncle Frank, which was written and directed by Alan Ball (best known for American Beauty (1999)). I was made aware of this from a movie reviewer content creator on YouTube who had seen it via a virtual film festival (in this case Matthew Buck aka Film Brain). I was curious to see how it would turn out from what I heard about it and after watching it on Amazon Prime this past weekend, the viewing experience was pretty pleasant despite its own hindrances. 

What's it about? Taking place in the 1970s, the story follows a gay New York college professor returning back home to South Carolina to his fathers funeral, which brings back his painful memories. Given how acceptance of LGBTQ was during the time period (esp. for his Arabic partner), concerns about how he's treated by those who know his sexuality doesn't make it easier for him. Something that this could be compared to would be Green Book (2018) regarding the feel-good kind of flick it's aiming for except with this case it has much less Hollywood sugar of the situation. The banter between some of the characters here isn't preachy but rather sharp with some good jokes mixed in there. The bond between the protagonist and his partner of 10 years is delightful whether it's them at a party, going on a road trip to his him in the south, or the repercussions of the third act.

Unfortunately, there are noticeable issues that bog down the story's quality. The third act is guilty of most problems as the melodrama there doesn't match how good everything before it was. It feels like it regresses into a sort of unnecessary reaction to bring in a predictability that something like Green Book had instead of being more mature about itself. In addition to that, the established growing bond he has with his niece from the first two acts feels forgotten in that section. There's also a scene where the main characters partner is having a phone call with his mother back home that looks emotional but translation subtitles aren't shown (having them would have been nice).

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Paul Bettany and Peter Macdissi. Paul does a pretty good performance with this troubled role where he finds a balance between being a supportive uncle, being affected by deep trauma, and trying to find peace for himself in this era. Peter is definitely a delight to have where his acting conveys that kind of personality that wants to maintain a mature healthy life and be there for his partners time of need. The chemistry between these 2 actors is great with their dynamic of fun banter and love conveyed in a long relationship is sold so well that you would want to hang out with them. 

Honorable mentions go to Sophia Lillis and Judy Greer due to the former having a nice bond with Paul and decent mini-arc while the latter has some nice scenes in the third act that this comedy-drama needed more of.  Dishonorable mention goes to Stephen Root for his melodramatic performance that's at odds with the rest of the actors and feels like he's in a different film.

 

Overall Consensus: Uncle Frank is a LGBTQ comedy-drama with a mostly solid and respectful story, some pretty good performances, and nice feel-good vibes, despite being bogged down by a melodramatic third act. ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Alan Ball. You want to see a respectful LGBTQ feature that has some expected homophobic slurs and a sweet romantic pairing. You like premises that involve returning back home after a period of time and dealing with past trauma. You have seen Hollywood centric fare like Green Book and wanted something with much less cinematic sugar.

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or director Alan Ball. You aren't in the mood for an LGBTQ feature that has some expected homophobic slurs and a sweet romantic pairing. You dislike standard premises that involve returning back home after a period of time and dealing with past trauma.