Family Squares is a unique take on a pandemic film that showcases the good and bad side of families — and the fact that we love each other through it all.
Every family has secrets. In Family Squares the Worths must deal with the passing of Grandma Mabel during the height of the pandemic. In order to discuss funeral arrangements, and uncover long hidden family secrets that Mabel encourages them to expose after her death, they must meet on a Zoom like video conference program. Hence the word squares in the title.
This is a unique take on a pandemic film, and with it comes a lot of comedic moments, but a lot of heartfelt ones too. If this movie doesn’t make you want to call up all your family members, perhaps you don’t have a heart.
With the pandemic having gone on for years now, there have certainly been a fair share of movies that take place during it. So many that it can be argued there are too many. Family Squares is unafraid to dive into the reality of what this has meant for many people. We have been separated from those that we love, and dealt with new challenges when stuck in the same house for months on end with the people we love. Some relationships didn’t make it through, but most did.
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This movie is so easy to relate to because we all have families. There are good times, bad times, and okay times. We have secrets that we keep for ourselves, and each other. Unfortunately many families around the world had to deal with deaths in the family while they were forced to be apart, living in quarantine. Mabel left some videos behind so that she can continue to shake things up with some truth bombs even after she is gone.
The cast is filled with many incredibly talented people: Henry Winkler, Judy Greer, June Squibb, Sam Richardson, Margo Martindale, and so many others. They all play off of each other really well and each bring something great to the table. They cause laughter, they cause tears, and they caused my heart to swell in certain moments. The pandemic was rough for everyone, especially in not being able to spend time with each other. This movie shines a light on that, while also dealing with some hard truths about family.
Family Squares definitely has its issues, too. There are some editing choices that don’t work very well, and it is quite obvious that those who are supposed to be in a room together are not. But focusing on the effect that Mabel has had on everyone is the right way to go with the story. She was unafraid to put people in their place before she left, and they have to deal with that after her passing. The movie is only an hour and thirty-five minutes though, and it eventually finds its footing — about thirty minutes in.
Family Squares his funny, but it is also very heartwarming. There are lots of tender moments that shine through that are sure to make every viewer think about their own families. I would be willing to bet that the majority of the people who watch this movie will be picking the phone up to call a loved one that they have not spoken to much over the last few years.
Do yourself a massive favor and watch the credits where we get an inside look at how this was actually recorded over Zoom sessions.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
About Family Squares
The Worths are a family portrait of dysfunction. When Grandma Mabel dies suddenly, they must set aside their differences and come together. Mayhem quickly ensues as long buried family secrets bubble to the surface with a shocking revelation. But, as they begin to find their way back to each other, they soon realize that while you can’t choose your family, you can choose to be friends with them.
Starring:
- Ann Dowd (Hereditary)
- Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade)
- Judy Greer (“Archer”)
- Billy Magnussen (No Time To Die)
- Margo Martindale (August: Osage County)
- Sam Richardson (“Veep”)
- Timothy Simons (“Veep”)
- June Squibb (Nebraska)
- Casey Wilson (“Saturday Night Live”)
- Scott MacArthur (Halloween Kills)
- Zoë Chao (“Love Life”)
- Jessica Miesel (“The Resident”)
- Maclaren Laing (“Eastbound & Down”)
- Henry Winkler (“Happy Days”)
Family Squares Is In Theaters and On Demand February 25, 2022.
