Nic and Jules are a middle aged loving couple raising two teenage children in suburban Los Angeles. Joni is leaving for college soon, and her younger brother Laser has asked her help to find their sperm donor father.
Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play the lesbian couple Nic and Jules. Nic is the family breadwinner OB/GYN doctor who loves her wine and Joni Mitchell. Jules is currently contemplating the notion of being a landscape artist. Jules doesn't seem to be able to stay focused on one type of job having dabbled in other entrepreneurial ventures . But they are serious and loving when it comes to their family. They are referred to by their kids as “moms”. The obvious dynamic in their relationship is that they are both nurturing and encourage their kids to have an open dialogue with them. That is why they are a little shocked to discover that kids are seeking their biological father. Mark Ruffalo is Paul, and organic gardener who supplies his own veggies at his restaurant. He’s curious when he gets a call from Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and decides to meet with the kids. Paul is laid back type of “cool dude”. Part hippie, part womanizer with arrested development in maturity. Laser (Josh Hutcherson) is more curious as he's not had a male role model in his life. In fact the moms are concerned with his friendship with an obvious loser school mate. The moms in their “you can tell us anything” mode invite Paul to dinner so they can keep an eye on what the kids are doing. Nic doesn’t trust Paul, but the more easy going Jules gets along great with him. He becomes a regular fixture in their lives and the impact causes more trouble than good.
The surprising element of this film is the accurate portrayal of real-life ups and downs. It's intelligent and sensitive without being sappy or overly dramatic. Directed by Lisa Cholodenko who also wrote High Art and Laurel Canyon shares writing credits with Stuart Blumberg. There is something to be said about movies written and directed by women. Annette Bening and Julianna Moore are both wonderful, but Bening gives an Oscar worth performance. There are no explosions, car chases, murders, mysteries, or aliens. This is a slice of life story of a family reacting and confronting situations that crop up while growing together despite their sexual preferences. I would be surprised if you didn't recognize a little bit of yourself in these characters.
(Review by reesa)
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