Watch Immediate Family

Immediate Family is a heartfelt drama film that was released in 1989. The movie explores the intricacies of building a family, the challenges that arise, and the emotions that come with it. The film stars well-known actors Glenn Close, James Woods, and Mary Stuart Masterson in lead roles. The directorial debut of Jonathan Kaplan, the movie is set in Seattle and has a runtime of approximately 99 minutes.

Immediacy and authenticity in the relationships between the characters define the overarching theme of this movie. The film charts a couple's journey of adoption and explores the complications and joys that come with building a family through such means. Linda (Glenn Close) and Michael (James Woods), a couple in their mid-thirties, have tried unsuccessfully to conceive a child. They then turn to adoption as a means of starting a family. They are matched with two young teenagers, the street smart and sassy Lainey (Mary Stuart Masterson) and her brother, Harry (Kevin Dillon), who is more reserved.

Linda and Michael are thrilled with the prospect of starting a family, but their journey towards parenthood proves to be fraught with challenges. For starters, Lainey and Harry are reluctant to be taken away from their current environment and placed with a new family. The situation is further complicated by Harry's medical condition, which requires significant attention, care, and ultimately surgery. The couple is also forced to navigate the challenges of dealing with the children's birth mother, Susan (Liv Tyler), who was forced to give up her children for adoption after being in a tumultuous relationship.

The film's narrative tackles the emotions and challenges that come with starting a family, especially through adoption. The characters are portrayed realistically, and their struggles are relatable. Close delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Linda's mixed emotions of joy at the prospect of being a mother, and the fear of whether she'll be a good one. Woods plays Michael with equal depth, struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy and fear, despite his desire to be a good father.

Masterson also shines with her portrayal of Lainey, showcasing her range as an actress with her performance. She brings a depth and vulnerability to the character that is both heartwarming and honest. Dillon's portrayal of Harry is just as nuanced, and his portrayal of a young man struggling with a significant medical condition is both realistic and engaging.

The film has a subtle pace that allows the audience to soak in the emotions and atmosphere of the story. The use of music reinforces the themes of the movie, with a mix of classics and contemporary songs. The soundtrack features songs by artists like Tom Waits, Neil Young, and Emmylou Harris, adding to the movie's authenticity.

At its core, Immediate Family is a heartwarming tale of love, hope, and the intricacies of family. The film captures the complicated emotions that come with parenting and the depth of feeling that comes with building a family. It's a realistic portrayal of a family that is not perfect, but that finds beauty and joy in the imperfections.

In conclusion, Immediate Family is a well-acted, well-directed drama that explores the themes of adoption, family, and love. The performances by the cast are nuanced and authentic, adding depth to the film's themes. The movie's pacing is well-suited to the story, allowing audiences to feel the emotions of the characters as they navigate the tricky waters of starting a family. If you're looking for a film that captures the emotions and challenges of building a family, then Immediate Family is a must-watch.

Immediate Family is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.