Watch Language Arts

Language Arts is a poignant drama film that follows the story of a fifth-grade teacher, Charles Young (played by Ashley Zukerman), as he tries to reconnect with his estranged mother Laura (Sarah Shahi) who abandoned him and his father when he was a child. The film opens with Charles teaching his class of elementary school students in Los Angeles. Charles, who is passionate about poetry, is clearly a gifted and dedicated teacher with a true love for his profession. However, he is struggling with the fact that his own relationship with his mother is strained and distant.

Despite the distance and hurt he experienced, Charles is still attached to his mother in some ways. He has kept all of her handwritten letters and poetry which she sent to him throughout his life, hoping that one day he might be able to reconnect with her. After a long period of silence, Charles finally reaches out to his mother, and the two agree to meet up and spend some time together.

The reunion between Charles and Laura is tense and awkward, but over the course of their time together, they begin to find a way back to each other. They visit the art galleries, museums, and cafes that Laura used to frequent, giving Charles a glimpse into his mother's past and the reasons why she left. Their journey is heart-wrenching, as they explore the root of their broken bond and try to heal old wounds.

On the other hand, the film also tackles another aspect of Charles' life, his relationship with his boyfriend Adam (Kevin Alejandro) who is struggling with his own issues. Adam is a writer and a free-spirited guy who is grappling with writer's block and the pressure to produce his second novel. A lot of flashbacks are shown in the movie which carefully reveals the sincerity of their relationship, their ups and downs, and the challenges they face.

Throughout the movie, a lot of interesting themes are explored, such as human connections and relationships, the power and beauty of words, forgiveness and acceptance, and the importance of family. The film also showcases a unique blend of different genres, with heartfelt drama, intelligent comedy, and exquisite arts that are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.

The movie features an incredible cast, with standout performances from the lead actors. Sarah Shahi delivers a performance that is both emotionally raw and nuanced, portraying Laura as a complex character who is struggling to come to terms with her past mistakes. Ashley Zukerman, on the other hand, expertly captures the vulnerability and sensitivity of Charles, bringing depth and sympathy to his character.

Ultimately, Language Arts is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores the universal themes of love and family in a unique and artistic way. It transports the viewer on an emotional journey filled with heartache and joy, ending with an uplifting and cathartic message about the transformative power of words and the human spirit.

Language Arts is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.