In the Family

Fang Su-Mei, a shy, middle-aged Chinese man living in New York City, unexpectedly inherits his partner's apartment and his son's custody after his partner's sudden death. However, he must navigate the complexities of his partner's estranged family, who are unaware of his existence and his relationship with the deceased. The film is a quiet exploration of grief, chosen family, and the challenges of maintaining a chosen life in the face of societal and familial disapproval.

Patrick Wang's debut feature, 'In the Family,' garnered significant critical acclaim for its quiet power and sensitive portrayal of grief and unconventional family structures. Reviewers lauded its understated performances, deliberate pacing, and the film's ability to evoke deep emotional resonance without resorting to melodrama. It was particularly praised for its authentic depiction of Asian-American experiences and its gentle yet profound examination of love and loss.

• Praised for its profound emotional depth and subtle storytelling.

• Acclaimed for its authentic and sensitive portrayal of grief and family.

• Noted for its understated yet powerful performances.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's emotional honesty and its touching exploration of love and loss within an unconventional family. Many found the narrative to be deeply moving and relatable, with particular praise for the authentic representation of the characters' experiences and the film's gentle, introspective approach.

Won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature at the Outfest Film Festival. Nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Director Patrick Wang also stars in the film as the protagonist, Fang Su-Mei, and wrote, produced, and edited the movie himself, making it a truly independent passion project.