Thomas (Nico Tortorella) and Oscar (Juan Pablo Di Pace) are in love, and they were, at one point, prepared to take their relationship a step further and start a family. However, when their adopted son, Arthur (Matthew Jacob Ocampo), is brought back to his mother, their lives begin to spiral out of control. The Mattachine Family sees their love come into question, and their future together (with a family) now hangs in the balance. Can they recover?
The Mattachine Family is one of the more touching films that I’ve seen in some time. From the opening moments of the film, as Thomas narrates (as he does throughout the course of the film), viewers are pulled into the narrative and afforded the opportunity to truly understand all that plays out throughout the film. The passion in his voice, even as The Mattachine Family opens, is clear–and it envelops viewers early and often. I’ve often been impressed by what Tortorella is able to bring to the table, but The Mattachine Family may be the first time that he’s truly able to showcase all that he has to offer. Tortorella is the heart and soul of this film, being the person to speak both the first and final lines, narrate the film in its entirety, and ultimately be the vehicle by which emotion is delivered to viewers.
While Tortorella is brilliant every step of the way, The Mattachine Family needs to have characters that support Thomas, and it most certainly does. It seems that everyone works to support the film’s protagonist–and each and every actor finds themselves filling the shoes of their respective characters in a way that allows Tortorella to shine even brighter. While there is a clear lead throughout the course of this film, it's obvious that this is a collective effort–starting with the writing and directing and trickling all the way down to each and every other piece of this team.
The Mattachine Family is open and honest, refusing to beat around the veritable bush–as it chooses to say exactly what it means at any given moment. From sex scenes to emotionally charged moments of rage, what The Mattachine Family delivers in regard to its honesty is quite charming. This honesty is powerful, as it doesn’t attempt to manipulate in any way, but rather reminds viewers of the hardships of life and the silver linings that exist as well. Even in some of the moments when dialogue doesn’t land as effectively as intended, or there’s an emotional slip up in regard to the acting, the fact that everything throughout the course of The Mattachine Family is so open and honest allows viewers to appreciate what is being said and done nonetheless.
This film is a tear jerker, a film that never relents in attempting to reach its viewers on a personal and emotional level. Executive producer Zach Braff clearly inserts himself into the film in this regard, as aspects of the film are reminiscent of his other brilliant works such as Garden State and the second ever episode of the beloved series Ted Lasso, Biscuits. Braff’s ability to harness and then expel emotion in such powerful ways plays a prominent role in The Mattachine Family, and while it’s clear that the direction of Andy Valentine and writing of Danny Valentine are the core of the film–Braff’s influence is clearly present, guiding this team in ways that allows The Mattachine Family to shine brightly from beginning to end.
Headed by the impeccably talented Tortorella, The Mattachine Family is almost guaranteed success from the opening moments. His character, Thomas, is direct, honest, and passionate in the words that he speaks throughout the course of the film–and every emotional bit that makes its way into the film starts from the top with A. Valentine, D. Valentine, and Braff. Again, The Mattachine Family is a group effort (there’s no doubt about that), and the powerful influences of each of those aforementioned individuals causes the film to rise to a new, impressive level.
Directed by Andy Valentine.
Written by Danny Valentine.
Starring Nico Tortorella, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Emily Hampshire, Heather Matarazzo, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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