The Family is a 2016 drama film directed by Rosie Jones and starring Sung Yun Cho, Lex de Man, and Jordan Fraser-Trumble. The movie is set in Melbourne, Australia and follows the story of an immigrant Korean family in their struggle to integrate into the new society. The film begins with the Lee family, consisting of father Mr. Lee (Lex de Man), mother Mrs. Lee (Sung Yun Cho), and their son David (Jordan Fraser-Trumble), settling into a new house in a typical middle-class Australian suburb. Mr. Lee has recently taken up a job as a car mechanic and is trying to make enough money to provide for his family. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lee is struggling with homesickness and feels disconnected from the new place. Young David, on the other hand, is trying to fit in at school but is bullied due to his ethnicity.
As the story unfolds, we realize that the family is dealing with bigger problems than just homesickness and bullying. Mr. Lee is forced to work overtime in order to pay off a loan he took out to buy the new house, while Mrs. Lee is struggling with depression and is unable to cope with the new surroundings. Plus, David is still being bullied at school by a group of boys led by the school bully, Jake.
Throughout the movie, the family faces a series of challenges that put a strain on their cohesion. As they struggle to adapt to the new society and deal with their personal problems, they start drifting apart from each other. Their relationships become more and more strained, until they reach breaking point.
One of the strengths of the movie is the captivating performances by the actors, particularly Sung Yun Cho, who gives a powerful and moving performance as Mrs. Lee. She manages to convey the pain and frustration of a woman trying to adjust to a new culture, all while dealing with her own personal demons. Lex de Man also gives a convincing portrayal of a man trying to provide for his family in a new country, while Jordan Fraser-Trumble manages to bring a sense of vulnerability to his role as the bullied son.
Another strength of the movie is its subtle direction and cinematography. Rosie Jones manages to build tension and convey emotions without relying on clichés or melodrama. She uses long takes and wide angles to highlight the loneliness of the characters, and manages to make the suburbia setting feel claustrophobic, creating a sense of isolation that heightens the drama.
The movie touches on several themes, including the immigrant experience, depression, and family dynamics. It explores the challenges faced by immigrants when trying to integrate into a new society, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination. It also delves into the issue of mental health, as Mrs. Lee's struggles with depression are depicted in a realistic and non-judgmental manner. Moreover, the movie is a poignant portrait of a family in crisis, offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges of parenthood and married life.
Overall, The Family is a well-crafted and poignant drama that manages to touch on several important themes in a sensitive and powerful way. With engaging performances, subtle direction, and a touching story, it is a movie that will linger with you long after the credits roll.
