Watch The Family Tree

The Family Tree is a heartwarming drama-comedy movie released in 2011, directed by Vivi Friedman. The movie stars an ensemble cast, including Rachael Leigh Cook, Hope Davis, and Dermot Mulroney, among others. The movie revolves around the Burnett family and their eccentricities, follies, and eventual bonding. The movie starts with the seemingly perfect Burnett family, consisting of parents Bunnie (Hope Davis) and Jack (Dermot Mulroney) and their two children, Eric (Max Thieriot) and Kelly (Britt Robertson). Despite having their fair share of issues, the family presents a united front, and each member plays their part impeccably.

However, things start to crumble rather quickly. Eric starts to rebel, Kelly brings home her boyfriend who is a bit of a social misfit, and Bunnie's behavior becomes increasingly peculiar. Things come to a head when Eric's wild antics result in an accidental injury that leaves him in a coma. Meanwhile, Bunnie's nervous breakdown leads to her stealing a van and coming home with a mentally unstable stranger in tow. To top it all off, Jack is having an affair with one of his former high school flames.

As the family deals with these crises, they start to realize that their picture-perfect lives weren't so perfect after all. Together, they begin to come to terms with their losses, shortcomings, and the importance of being honest with each other.

The Family Tree is a quirky movie that balances comedy and drama well. The script is well-written, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy for viewers to relate to their stories. The Burnett's family dynamics are engaging, and the movie's message of embracing one's imperfections is uplifting.

One of the movie's strengths is how it tackles mental health issues. Bunnie's nervous breakdown is handled sensitively, and the subsequent developments in her character are touching. The subplot of the stranger she brings home is poignant and speaks to the larger theme of compassion and empathy.

The cast is another highlight of the movie. Dermot Mulroney, as always, delivers an impeccable performance. His portrayal of a troubled but loving father is subtle and nuanced. Hope Davis is equally impressive in her role as Bunnie Burnett. The actress brings great depth to her character, making her journey as a mother, a wife, and a person, all the more satisfying. Rachael Leigh Cook's portrayal of Alicia, a schoolteacher with her own set of issues, is also notable.

In conclusion, The Family Tree is an enjoyable, heartwarming movie that touches on various themes of family, mental health, and personal growth. The cast delivers excellent performances, and the script is well-written. Despite a few flaws here and there, the movie is worth watching for those who enjoy a good family drama.

The Family Tree is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 24.