The Family Tree

Synopsis

The Family Tree is a 2011 comedy-drama directed by Vivi Friedman, starring Dermot Mulroney. The film centers on a quirky and dysfunctional family living in a small town, where their unconventional dynamics lead to both humorous and heartfelt moments. At the heart of the story is a father who is an artist and a bit of a misfit, whose parenting style and personal life create tension and comic situations with his children, especially when a significant change in the family forces them all to confront their relationships and make peace with their past. Through a blend of offbeat humor and sentimentality, the film explores themes of family bonds, identity, and acceptance.

Cast

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  Dermot Mulroney

  Jack Burnett

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  Hope Davis

  Bunnie Burnett

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  Britt Robertson

  Kelly Burnett

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  Max Thieriot

  Eric Burnett

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  Gabrielle Anwar

  Nina

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  Rachael Leigh Cook

  Rachel

Reviews

The Family Tree received predominantly negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low approval rating of 10%, indicating widespread unfavorable opinions. Critics often cited the film's inconsistent tone and underdeveloped characters as major drawbacks. The site’s consensus mentions that despite aiming for a quirky, heartfelt narrative, the film fails to engage viewers effectively. Metacritic’s score of 24/100 corroborates the general disappointment, with reviewers pointing out clichéd storytelling and awkward humor. IMDb users gave it an average rating of 5.4/10, reflecting mixed audience reactions. Some appreciated Dermot Mulroney's earnest performance and occasional comedic moments, but many found the plot thin and the pacing uneven. Summary reviews remarked that the film's attempt to balance comedy with drama feels forced and that it lacks the emotional depth necessary to fully resonate. Overall, The Family Tree struggles to find its footing, leaving many viewers underwhelmed.

See also

Joker

Titanic

Shutter Island

The Truman Show