Film Analysis: The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right tells the story of a brother and sister who connect with their father, whom they only know as their sperm donor. However, it is more than a film about a family of this decade, a lesbian couple and their children. It’s a film that captures, with admiration and sympathy, the hard work essential to keep marriages thriving, to raise children, and for both children and adults to encounter life's trials. Nic and Jules, the "moms" have been loyal partners for at least 20 years. They met when Nic, a doctor, was the resident on-call, and Jules, an architecture student, was a patient who had a bizarre issue with her tongue. Nic took control and made Jules feel protected, and her issue went away. This initial encounter shaped the

Now, this tension is taken to the surface by Joni's imminent departure and Paul's unforeseen presence. The resentment Jules and Nic possess for one another is clear to both Joni and Laser. Similar to the children, Jules resents Nic's criticism; her having something counteractive to say about most things; and her overall necessity to be in control. And the children, along with Nic, are unfavorable of Jules' reliance on Nic, her need for approval, and her absence of personal goals. While Nic and Jules love both their children, Nic’s attachment to Joni, her biological child, is greater than to Laser, and Jules’ attachment to Laser, her biological child, is stronger than to Joni. In their attachments, we observe the influence of biology in swaying character. Joni, imitating Nic, is an exceptional student, surpassing in science, and ambitious to succeed. Laser, imitating Jules, is a free spirit, delicate and affectionate, but lacking ambition and not living up to his potential. Nic comprehends Joni and is more accepting of her than she is of Laser while Jules better comprehends Laser and is more accepting of him. Special treatment streams from this primary