A modern-day queer dramedy film that perfectly captures self-reflection on love, relationships, and family is rare. To also make it genuinely funny and heartfelt is a real movie-watching treat. THE MATTACHINE FAMILY is truly a family affair, with our self-reflective narrator Thomas (Nico Tortorella) exploring his closest relationships, both familiar and forged, after a foster child enters and too quickly leaves his life. Thomas is left torn on his feelings toward fatherhood and his relationship with his rising-star husband Oscar (Juan Pablo Di Pace). Luckily, Thomas’ found family and community are also there to help give a great example on what love and family can be.
Based on a story by director Andy Vallentine and his husband Danny, who wrote the script, they obviously had love on their minds. And that’s what makes this movie really shine — the authentic and diverse family of friends that lives in the very heart of this film. A truly refreshing cinematic representation of the families that more and more people are choosing to build for themselves.
—Sandra Woolf
