The Perfect Family
The Perfect Family

The Perfect Family

2011Movie84 minEnglish

Kathleen Turner stars as suburban mother and devout Catholic Eileen Cleary, who has always kept up appearances. When she runs for the Catholic Woman of the Year title at her local parish, her final test is introducing her family to the board for the seal of approval. Now she must finally face the nonconformist family she has been glossing over for years...

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Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes29%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users61%
Director: Christian DuguayGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A successful woman, Eileen, is nominated for 'Catholic Woman of the Year,' a prestigious award that could elevate her social standing. However, her carefully constructed life unravels when her estranged adult children return, each burdened by their own secrets and struggles. Eileen must confront her past mistakes and the superficiality of her aspirations as her family's dysfunction threatens to derail her dream, forcing her to choose between public acclaim and genuine familial connection.

Critical Reception

The Perfect Family received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often found its themes heavy-handed and its execution lacking subtlety. While some performances, particularly Kathy Bates, were acknowledged, the film struggled to resonate due to its predictable narrative and melodramatic tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film's attempt at exploring complex family dynamics and religious hypocrisy often falls into melodrama.
  • Performances, especially Kathy Bates, are noted, but are not enough to elevate the predictable plot.
  • The movie is criticized for its heavy-handed approach to its themes, lacking nuance and subtlety.

Google audience: Audience reviews are divided, with some appreciating the film's emotional depth and strong performances, while others found it overly dramatic and predictable, criticizing its lack of originality and heavy-handed message.

Fun Fact

The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011, where it generated discussion for its portrayal of contemporary family issues within a religious context.

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