
We all inherit traits from our parents, for better or worse, and their influence shapes who we become. It’s no surprise that family dynamics are a common theme in movies, just as popular as stories about romance. While many family films focus on intense drama, this season’s releases are exploring the more nuanced ways family members connect – or struggle to. We’re seeing films like a documentary about a son reflecting on his famous parents, a series of quirky and funny stories about parents and children, and a moving film about the impact of a distant parent, while also showing that healing and reconnection are possible. Perhaps, in a world often filled with negativity, these familial bonds are more vital than ever. These films portray those connections realistically, without relying on clichés or sentimentality. Families are messy, frustrating, and imperfect – yet they often provide the support we need to cope with life’s challenges.