By: debbie lynn elias
Co-written by Mike Akel and Matthew Patterson, and directed by Akel, AN ORDINARY FAMILY is centered around a relaxing summer vacation family reunion at the Biederman family homestead in a picturesque wooded, lakeside community. One of my Must See Festival Films at 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival and, hands down, the Best Ensemble, Thomas is a minister at the local church. He and his wife Mattie and their son and daughter live year round at the house along with Thomas’ mom. Coming in for the reunion is Thomas’ sister Sharon and her husband Chris, and unbeknownst to Thomas, his estranged brother Seth who quit the church as music director and up and moved to Chicago some time ago after their father’s passing, an act which led to their tacit estrangement. Mattie and Sharon are hoping for a reconciliation between the brothers, as is mom, but that looks to be the last thing that will happen when Seth shows up with a friend – his partner William. Ah yes. Seth is gay and he and William are a couple. Shocked and in disbelief, Thomas can’t wrap his head around reconciling his religious beliefs with the fact his brother is gay which sets the stage for familial antics, sibling rivalry and a bittersweet coming to Jesus of what is truly important in life.
This is without a doubt the best ensemble performance of the festival. Real life husband and wife, Troy and Janelle Schremmer, easily tackle the roles of Thomas and Mattie and even bring son Huck along for the ride. With ease and confidence in each other, their performances are organic, easy-going, unforced, believable and highly entertaining, particularly during arguments. Adding to the mix are Megan Minto and Steven Schaefer as Sharon and Chris. Schaefer is an absolute teddy bear and adds a bit of goofiness to what appears as a fun and loving relationship between Chris and Sharon. But then we get to Greg Wise and Chad Miller. Greg Wise is outstanding as Seth. Nervous, insecure, yet fun-loving and embraceable, Wise holds nothing back as the brother coming out of the closet to his older brother…while the rest of the family has always known the truth. But then we have Chad Miller who steals the show as William. Funny, endearing, affable – his chemistry is undeniable and richly textured. He is the glue that brings the wentire cast and story together. And his scenes with Schaefer really add some laughs. The icing on the cake is veteran Laurie Coker as Mother Biederman, adding some sage nonchalant wisdom at the most appropriate moments.
The script is so well written and acting so superlative that as you watch, there is no doubt in your mind each of these characters is family – at its best and at its worst, but definitely a family. The easiness of the relationships and the day-to-day vacation activities will resonate with everyone. Cinematography is impeccable as is the camera work which celebrates the scenic beauty of the area while focusing on the microcosm of the family unit. As much as I loved Akel’s “Chalk”, AN ORDINARY FAMILY is even better.
Not a religious, not a gay film, this is a film about a family and its fun and foibles.
