Michael Glover Smith's fourth film and his best yet. He very confidently juggles a large ensemble of characters, giving each one their own choice moments without it feeling contrived. They're all recognizable, flawed human beings sketched out with compassion. But he also doesn't offer excuses for anyone's behavior. And his cinematic technique "feels" very restrained and understated, so that when he does reach for a special moment it doesn't feel like he's just showing off. (A beautiful "circle of time" shot which captures the transition of time passing is only one example.) This straightforward quality keeps everything grounded. The entire cast is excellent; Wendy Robie's touching and warm-hearted portrayal of the family's matriarch will surely open the eyes of many viewers who know her only from Nadine on "Twin Peaks." Bravo.
Review of Relative
