Uncle Frank - Review

Rating: 4 out of 5

WRITER-director Alan Ball, best known for penning the screenplays for American Beauty and Six Feet Under, delivers another gem - albeit an often overlooked one - with Uncle Frank.

Embracing many of the themes that have come to be a hallmark of Ball's work, most notably sexuality and identity, this latest (streaming on Amazon Prime) is an astute examination of the trauma that can be created from ignorance and fear, as well as a highly endearing look at how tolerance and love can be equally as redemptive.

Paul Bettany, on brilliant form, plays the Uncle Frank of the film's title, a literature professor living in New York, having sought to escape the cruel wrath of his father, Daddy Mac (Stephen Root).

Frank is, however, an idol of sorts to Betty (Sophia Lillis), a smart teenager whose life is transformed by an inspirational talk she shares with him, which encourages her to pursue her own ambitions and be herself.

When she joins Frank in New York as a student, she is initially shocked to discover that Frank is gay - but is quickly made to feel welcome by his jovial partner, Walid (played by Ball’s real-life partner and one of the movie’s co-producers Peter Macdissi). But Betty, who now prefers to be known as Beth is quick to embrace their loving relationship.

But when news arrives that Daddy Mac has passed away, the three return home to the old-fashioned south to attend the funeral - a move that forces Frank to confront his traumatic past and the guilt he still carries for a tragedy.

Ball's film may take a fairly predictable journey as far as tales of redemptive arcs go and sometimes feels contrived due to the short nature of its running time - but it still manages to stand out in its genre because of the quality of its performances and the heartfelt nature of the writing.

Its tears feel earned because of the sensitivity with which it treats its subject matter, as well as the depth of character its performances derive.

Bettany, as we've come to expect, is terrific in the primary role, juggling charm and charisma with deeply entrenched hurt, anguish and guilt. It's a personal tour-de-force. But Macdissi is utterly charming as his partner, bringing optimsim when there really shouldn't be any at times, and a deep sense of decency that makes him an utterly warm presence to be around. The insights into his own back story, too, are moving - and serve to illustrate the global depths of intolerance.

Lillis brings sass and charm to Beth, and is a nice foil for both Bettany and Macdissi at times - completing a completely charming trio. But there's also notable support, in relatively minor roles, from established character actors such as Margo Martindale (as Frank's mum), Root (ferociously domineering), Steve Zahn (as Frank's younger brother) and Judy Greer (as a somewhat ditzy sister-in-law).

With such a powerhouse creative team behind it, it's little wonder that the '70s-set Uncle Frank offers up an often bittersweet, yet ultimately hopeful package that deserves to find an exceptionally wide audience.