Uncle Frank - A Charming and Relevant Story

 

Stream it on Amazon Prime 

As I have stated on this blog many times before, I find human sexuality to be one of the most fascinating aspects of our strange existence. It’s something that every human being has in common in one way or another. While we as a people should be united by our interesting (if occasionally strange) sexual identities, we are sadly and consistently divided by them. There is a great deal of inhumanity in denying the existence of a fellow human being for such a petty and unreasonable perception of our sexuality. While some of us are fortunate enough to live in places where such discriminations are minimal and discouraged at best, there are plenty of other places where it is less so. In my opinion, it is important to always be reminded of the many aspects of the human condition that are under needless attack, why it is horrible, and what can be done to fix it. Such is the case with todays film, Uncle Frank. A heartwarming story about a man, his niece, and his partner, facing a challenging task together as a family. 

Set in the year 1973, the story follows a young girl named Beth (Sophia Lillis), a country girl from South Carolina who just moved to New York for college. Her Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) happens to be a professor at her school. The two of them have always gotten along well and enjoy each others company. One night, Beth decides to surprise her uncle with a visit to his apartment during a party. When she arrives, she discovers that her uncle is gay by meeting his partner, Wally (Peter Macdissi), a friendly and flamboyant gentlemen. 

Beth has no problem with this at all, but Frank has never come out to the rest of the family, as his father found out first and disowned him. Not long after Beth’s discovery, Frank gets a phone call from his mother saying his father has just passed away. Unable to get a flight, the three of them decide to drive down to South Carolina together. Now, Frank must face the possibility of finally coming out to the rest of his family, and deal with whatever repercussions may occur therein. Will they all be just like his late father and hatefully disown him, or will they see past their prejudice and let love reign? 

Uncle Frank is a delightful film in all the right ways. While it tackles a relevant subject matter, it maintains a much needed sense of hope and encouragement. The film recognizes that when tackling a situation as heavy as this, it’s important to maintain a sense of entertainment value, since it’s still a movie. Much of the films entertainment value comes from the witty writing, lovable three-dimensional characters, and lovely period-appropriate production design. 

The cast is loaded with talented and capable actors. Paul Bettany delivers his usual professional conviction and Sophia Lillis is remarkably charming in her role. The MVP award must go to Peter Macdissi as Uncle Frank’s energetic and adorable partner. Some may claim that his performance comes off as “stereotypical”, but I must respectfully disagree. Sometimes, in this crazy world, we all need a fabulous friend. 

Writer/Director Alan Ball, whose previous works include American Beauty and Virtuoso, delivers a heartfelt story that deserves to be seen. Like many of his previous works, it has something important to say about people and society, and it does so in a way that is both challenging and pleasant to watch. 

Uncle Frank is the perfect brand new movie to kick off the holiday season. It will resonate with you in more ways than one, so be sure to check it out. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.