Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) is from a small town in South Carolina, Creekville, where the majority of his conservative family still lives One of those family members is Beth (Sophia Lillis), who, like Frank, does not conform to the expectations of the family. Frank moved north to New York City to teach at New York University and has convinced Beth to attend NYU. After the passing of the family’s patriarch, Daddy Mac (Stephen Root), Frank and Beth return to SC for the funeral. Unbeknownst to them, Frank’s boyfriend, Wally (Peter Macdissi) is joining them on their journey. With the majority of the family unaware of the fact that Frank is a homosexual, Wally’s presence is sure to cause some problems.
Everything, even the more laidback moments feel tense, like you could cut that tension with a knife, and for some time, viewers have no idea why. Other than coming closer to understanding Frank’s angst and displeasure with his current situation, viewers aren’t entirely sure of what lies beneath the surface of Frank’s faux tough exterior. However, feeling the presence of said tension causes viewers to think and anticipate what might come next. In addition to the tension present throughout Uncle Frank, there’s a sense of discomfort. Viewers are meant to feel uncomfortable with the film’s events, much like Frank and Wally are, essentially putting viewers in their shoes and making them feel much more a part of their story than expected.
Much of what occurs throughout Uncle Frank feels simple and to the point. The primary storyline, the one where Frank struggles with his own sexuality and his family’s acceptance of it is straightforward. Even before writer-director Alan Ball tells viewers what is happening with Frank, they are aware through subtle, but expressive hints. The simplicity can be damning as there isn’t much physicality to entice viewers, but the level of intimacy present throughout each and every scene is what keeps those viewers attracted to Uncle Frank. Much of that attraction stems from Bettany, Lillis, and Macdissi’s acting prowess.
Bettany is known for his roles as Charles in A Beautiful Mind and J.A.R.V.I.S./Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is known to be capable of taking nearly any role head on and essentially crushing them in the process. Still, his role as Frank seems different; he is much more emotionally fulfilling in this film than I have ever seen him before. This very well could be the best performance of Bettany’s career. Opposite Bettany (but in somewhat of a tertiary role) is Macdissi, who portrays an equal amount of emotion and takes the film by storm. Macdissi is fairly new to the game, and this appears to be his breakout role. His performance is beautiful, and much like Bettany, he is able to convey emotion in such a raw and captivating fashion that viewers have no choice but to feel one with the character; they are forced to feel both his joy and his pain. There even appears to be moments when Macdissi steals the spotlight from both Bettany and Lillis (who is a captivating young performer).
The story, from the opening moments, thanks to Lillis narration, is gripping. Uncle Frank possesses all of the emotion necessary to create a true Hollywood hit; this emotion is everpresent and refuses to relent. Uncle Frank will make you laugh, cry, question your reality, and make you a better person. The acting, the storytelling ability of Ball, and the emotional gravitas present throughout the film are incredible, but it is the “screw the norm” fashion of Uncle Frank that splashes over viewers and makes the film a success.
Written & Directed by Alan Ball.
Starring Paul Bettany, Sophia Lillis, Peter Macdissi, Steve Zahn, Judy Greer, Margo Martindale, Stephen Root, Lois Smith, Jane McNeill, Caity Brewer, Hannah Black, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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