Betty is a young shy ten girl growing up in a conservative southern family in early 70s. She always feels a misfit and adores her uncle Frank, an unmarried, unconventional guy who left home to become a literature professor in New York. He instills faith in her to be whoever she wants to be. So, 4 years later she reconnects with Frank having gotten into NYU and changed her name to Beth. She isn't shocked when she finds out eventually that Frank is gay and lives with his partner Walid of many years. When news of Frank's father death comes, the trio decide to take a road trip, including Walid much to displeasure of Frank. Beth and Uncle Frank connect on the road trip and a we see memories flashing back of Frank's younger years when was caught by his dad with another boy, eventually leading to a very devastating incident. Frank's father has since very distant from him, which makes it hard for Frank to be there for the funeral. His alcohol addiction is back which worries Walid. But, the worse is still waiting when the father's will is read out. He clearly calls out that he is not leaving anything for Frank because of him being gay, which shocks everyone. Frank runs and disappears in his childhood memories apologizing to his first love. Beth and Walid are in state of panic but eventually Beth convinces Frank to face his family, now that the truth is out. Surprisingly, in a very warm finale, Frank's entire family gets it and accepts him along with his partner Walid.
The film is full of tears, arguments, hugs and healing affirmations and to top that. happy ending is what we all need. The direction and acting are both polished and engaging and to be honest I wasn't expecting anything less. A large part of that is thanks to beautiful screenplay and wonderful acting. As Frank, the actor makes us feel the painful history of his, the trauma of losing his first love leading to a guilt of many years and self-loath, the tyranny of his father and eventual love with his partner. We also see that Frank is not just dealing with the sexuality aspect with the family but also alcohol addiction which seems to have a history. It's with. the love of his partner Walid, he manages to sail through all of these things. Beth's character graph is interesting. One minute she is timid but the other second she is feisty like she is with the mechanic. Walid, on the other hand, somehow got relegated to being a second fiddle. He is a strong character and more of him in the whole narrative would have made the film much stronger.
This film is a feel good movie that will take some of us back into our memories and what being gay was like in early days. These kind of stories are so important to be told, in such a way that nothing distracts from what is important. (8/10)
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