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Relative (film)
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Wikipedia article
'Relative' is a 2022 American drama/comedy feature film written and directed by Michael Glover Smith. The film is about a family reunion centered on a college graduation party in Chicago. It premiered at the 2022 Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa, Florida where actor Cameron Scott Roberts won the Grand Jury award for Best Performance.
Plot
'Relative' explores the love and conflicts that arise in a family at a crossroads. How will the Frank family handle separations, new romances, and empty-nesting following the college graduation of the youngest member of their clan? Time, love, family reunions and online proclivities test all characters in this ensemble film.
Background and production
It was announced in 2021 that the film was being produced by Newcity/Chicago Film Project and would star 'Twin Peaks' Wendy Robie and Steppenwolf Theater Ensemble member Francis Guinan.
In an interview with 'Split-Tooth Media', Smith said, "[A]ll of my films are really about love, which is the only subject that interests me". He noted that the inspiration for 'Relative' was to stretch himself as a writer/director by examining, for the first time, familial relationships, which he claimed "are a lot more complicated than the ones you have with a friend or a romantic partner". Smith also cited, as influences, films such as Arnaud Desplechin's 'A Christmas Tale', Yasujir Ozu's 'Late Spring' and John Ford's 'How Green Was My Valley'.
'Relative' was shot over a span of two weeks in the summer of 2021 in Chicago and the near-north suburbs.
Cast
* Wendy Robie as Karen Frank
* Francis Guinan as David Frank
* Cameron Scott Roberts as Benji Frank
* Clare Cooney as Evonne Frank
* Keith D. Gallagher as Rod Frank
* Emily Lape as Norma Frank
* Melissa DuPrey as Lucia Aguirre
* Elizabeth Stam as Hekla
Release
The film received a limited theatrical release beginning on June 8, 2022. It was the 23rd highest grossing movie in the U.S. during its first week in release.
Reception
'Relative' has received very positive reviews for its writing, acting, and directing. This includes a three-and-a-half (out of four) star review by the 'Chicago Sun-Times'
Awards
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