The Upside of Anger

In a sun‑splashed suburb where the veneer of a picture‑perfect family masks quieter storms, the world of The Upside of Anger feels both intimate and unflinchingly honest. The film moves with a tone that blends dry humor and raw emotion, letting everyday moments linger long enough to reveal the fragile undercurrents of love, loss, and longing. It’s a setting where kitchen tables become confessionals and the neighborhood’s familiar rhythm is punctuated by the occasional clink of a bottle, hinting at deeper currents without ever shouting them aloud.

At the story’s heart is Terry Wolfmeyer, a fiercely independent mother confronting a sudden, bewildering change in her marriage. With her husband’s abrupt disappearance, Terry is thrust into a solitary role that amplifies her simmering anger and forces her to confront the ways she keeps herself afloat—sometimes through humor, sometimes through the sharper edge of resentment. Her four daughters each orbit her orbit, their personalities and aspirations quietly shaping the family’s dynamic while reflecting the varied ways grief can surface.

Enter Denny Davies, the charismatic neighbor whose background as a former athlete and current life as a radio talk‑show host adds a breath of unexpected possibility to Terry’s world. Their tentative friendship, built on shared drinks and candid conversation, offers a glimpse of a life that could be rearranged—one where the boundaries between neighborly support and something more become deliciously ambiguous. Around them, the daughters navigate their own crossroads, from budding artistic passions to the first tremors of adult independence, each adding texture to the family’s collective journey.

Together, these characters set the stage for a nuanced exploration of how anger can tilt toward growth when faced with honest connections. The film promises a blend of wit and tenderness, inviting viewers to watch the delicate dance of a woman learning to balance her fierce spirit with the quiet hope that comes from letting others in.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 10:32