The Thing About My Folks
Ben's dad Sam shows up one night with a note from Ben's mother (Sam's wife of 46 years), that she has left. While Ben's wife and his three sisters try to find her, Ben takes Sam on a day trip to see a farmhouse that's for sale. The day trip turns into a road trip while dad and son explore their past, their relationship, and why Sam's wife might have left him. The road trip includes fishing, drinking, playing pool, sleeping under the stars, and frank discussion. Anger simmers close at hand, as do love and hope. Where Sam's wife is - and why she left - leads to the movie's resolution.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man, frustrated by his parents' seemingly perfect marriage, decides to follow them on a trip to uncover their secrets. What he discovers instead is a more complex and loving relationship than he ever imagined, forcing him to re-evaluate his own life and relationships.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with praise directed towards the performances of Paul Reiser and Peter Falk, but criticism leveled at the predictable plot and heavy-handed sentimentality.
What Reviewers Say
- Praises for the heartwarming performances of its lead actors.
- Criticisms of a formulaic and predictable storyline.
- A sentimental journey that some found overly earnest.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciated the touching father-son dynamic and the emotional depth, though some found the narrative a bit too predictable and sentimental.
Fun Fact
Paul Reiser also wrote the screenplay for 'The Thing About My Folks,' drawing inspiration from his own relationships with his parents.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources