This showing was heralded as the European premiere and director Craig Johnson was in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions in a Q&A at the end. Unfortunately booked travel meant I couldn’t stick around for that.
The story revolves around estranged twins, Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) who are brought back together after trying to commit suicide, coincidentally on the same day. Dark secrets lead to a troubled reunion though and it isn’t long before those secrets start to break down the strong façades of homemaker Maggie and underachieving Milo, dragging those around them into a dark cycle of hurt and distrust including Maggie’s husband, her scuba instructor and an old school teacher.
For the sensitive subjects involved, there was never any point that it felt babied or offensive, instead it found common ground where people could understand and relate. The strong believable characters is the foundation of this film and with a cast that also included Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell and Joanna Gleason there is a worry that it could have become a parody. In actual fact there is a great balance of drama and comedy that plays with the expectations of the cast’s outward comedic talent, proving that the heavier subjects are just as important and can be handled with aplomb.
The, often serious, interaction between Wiig and Hader – the core of this film - flows naturally and portrays the uneven sibling relationship perfectly, often treading the fine line between love and hate. Anyone with a brother or sister can relate immediately. One particular scene stands out that rings true – after a big fallout, a karaoke session with the Starship’s ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, slowly breaks down the animosity between them, bringing out their childish side which so often happens with a sibling. It was beautifully warming and cheesy.
The autumn and winter colours highlighted throughout the beautifully shot film were perfect for the reserved yet intimate bond between the siblings and the measured pace was great for allowing the dramatic elements to absorb before the subtle comedy tickles the ribs.
I really enjoyed this film, perhaps hitting a chord as the relationship feels personal, reminiscent of my own with my sister. Wiig and Hader also prove their dramatic abilities to be just as good as their comedic, with relatable characters and powerful intertwining storylines to pack the punches.
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