Year: 2003
Runtime: 109 min
Language: English
Director: Fred Schepisi
Filmmaker Joella Cabalu delves into the intricate relationships within her family, examining themes of identity and belonging within the LGBTQ community. Through candid conversations and personal reflections, the documentary explores the challenges and joys of navigating family dynamics and self-discovery.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of It Runs in the Family (2003), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the midst of their lavish lifestyle, the Gromberg family from New York City faces a myriad of both personal and professional challenges. Central to this chaos is Mitchell Gromberg, a man grappling with the enduring repercussions of a stroke, alongside his son Alex. Alex finds himself caught in a web of conflicting responsibilities as a lawyer in his father’s prestigious firm while struggling to identify his true sense of purpose. Compounding their issues, Alex’s wife, Rebecca, a caring psychologist, must confront the painful truth of Alex’s recent infidelity, which tragically unfolded at a local soup kitchen where they both volunteer.
As they navigate these tumultuous waters, the family is struck by tragedy with the loss of Evelyn Gromberg, Mitchell’s cherished wife and Alex’s mother. Her passing brings the family together for an emotionally charged funeral, showcasing their shared grief and unity. However, this significant moment exposes the depths of Alex’s betrayal to Rebecca, who is left devastated by the fallout.
In the wake of Evelyn’s death, Alex, Mitchell, and their younger son Asher set out on a fishing trip, hoping to mend their fractured relationships and encourage open dialogue. Sadly, their attempts at healing prove futile as they avoid addressing the underlying issues that have driven them apart.
As the narrative unfolds, Asher encounters trouble when he is found with illegal drugs at college, prompting his parents, Alex and Rebecca, to leap into action to assist him in overcoming this hurdle. Meanwhile, the family faces another blow with the passing of Stephen, Mitchell’s older brother, leading to a heartfelt tribute from both Alex and his father.
As family tensions spiral, Alex must confront the repercussions of his actions and seek reconciliation with Rebecca. He agrees to terms that could pave the way for healing and a chance to rebuild their relationship. The story captures the intricate dynamics of love, betrayal, and the quest for forgiveness within a family in turmoil.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:51
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where families confront past fractures to find a fragile hope.If you enjoyed the complex family dynamics and emotional weight of It Runs in the Family, you might like these movies. This thread gathers similar drama stories about grief, reconciliation, and identity crises that resonate with a bittersweet, hopeful tone.
These narratives often begin with a catalyst—a death, a secret revealed, or a personal crisis—that forces family members to re-examine their relationships. The plot unfolds through candid conversations and emotional confrontations, exploring themes of identity and belonging. The journey is arduous, but the ending typically allows for a cautious, hard-won reconciliation rather than a perfectly happy resolution.
Movies are grouped here because they share a core focus on the messy, painful, yet ultimately redemptive process of family healing. They balance heavy emotional themes like grief and betrayal with a steady, reflective pacing and a tone that is ultimately more melancholic than bleak.
Quiet, personal explorations of identity against a backdrop of complex relationships.Fans of the personal, reflective journey in It Runs in the Family will appreciate these movies. This collection features similar stories with a moderate complexity that explore themes of self-discovery, identity crisis, and complex relationships through a candid, introspective lens.
The narrative follows a central character as they unpack layers of their identity, often in response to a personal or familial catalyst. The structure is moderate, weaving the internal monologue or reflective interviews with external events and relationships. The focus is less on dramatic plot twists and more on the nuanced emotional and psychological evolution of the protagonist.
These films are united by their primary focus on the internal, psychological journey of self-discovery. They share a melancholic yet hopeful tone, a steady pacing that allows for deep reflection, and a thematic core centered on questions of belonging and personal truth.
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Discover movies like It Runs in the Family that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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