Posted: 06/30/2010

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

by Jessica Machen

With debates going on about same-sex marriages, Lisa Cholodenko’s film, The Kids Are All Right, is one that will help pave the way for more widespread acceptance towards gay and lesbian couples.

The film stars Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as Jules and Nic, respectively, a married lesbian couple. They each gave birth to one child, from the same sperm donor. They’ve gone 18 years living a normal life with their children, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson). However, their life is put to the test when Laser asks his sister, Joni, to help him find their biological father, also known as the sperm donor, or Paul (Mark Ruffalo). His introduction into their lives throw them for a tailspin. Nic becomes very jealous of the closeness her children and her spouse develop with him.

It’s easy to forget that this film involves a same sex couple. The children lead normal lives—they have friends and rebel against their parents just like any other child. As a couple, Nic and Jules have problems just like any other pair. This film does a great job of helping viewers see a lesbian couple just as they would a heterosexual couple. The situations are so relatable that it allows a deep connection point, which is what helps people understand and accept where others are coming from.

The Kids Are All Right is a powerful social awareness film with great comedic moments. It can be seen in theaters everywhere July 9.

Jessica Machen is a writer and filmmaker currently living in Chicago.

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