They/Them/Us

One of those movies where you ask yourself after watching it, "Why was it made?" It's not even funny, it's just stupid. Dumb script and characters that aren't appealing. Don't waste your time.

Finally...Hollywood has a realistic version of what a real mid-western blended family looks like. Director Jon Sherman along with his partner and co-writer Melissa Vogley-Woods bring to life an amazing Rom-Com that explores what it means to create a new family, with all the joys and challenges that come along with it.

All families have issues and this family is no different. They have a son who is headed for rehab, a daughter who is gender fluid, and two other daughters who are dealing with being the children of separated parents. Plus there is the added strain on the kids of their parents new romantic partners coming into their lives.

The movie also does an incredible job of showing the BDSM Community as it really is...a diverse amalgam of folks from all walks of life who choose to explore and express their sexuality creatively, spiritually, and of course kinkily. This is not a Shades of Grey or Eyes Wide Shut version of BDSM. Amy Hargraves and Joey Slotnick show the humanity and vulnerability of normal people open to discovering new parts of their sexuality with their partners.

This film is filled with rawness and humor and most of all realness. I appreciate the story they tell and the way they tell it. Kudos to Jon and Melissa for writing such a wonderful screenplay and a round of applause to the actors who it brought it to life.

Super annoying. Would have been way better without every character calling everyone else 'you guys'. Filmmakers who think that little of the audience need to find another profession. Would have been way better without every character calling everyone else 'you guys'. Filmmakers who think that little of the audience need to find another profession. Would have been way better without every character calling everyone else 'you guys'. Filmmakers who think that little of the audience need to find another profession. Would have been way better without every character calling everyone else 'you guys'.

This is a really great movie showing some of the complexities of modern blended families and modern parenting. I loved the balance of funny moments and thoughtful moments. Really well done!

I've been a writer and educator in the BDSM scene for thirty years, and I've traveled around the country to speak to kinksters (including more than a few visits to Columbus, where the movie is set). I didn't catch this film making a single misstep in terms of the scene as it actually exists in outwardly mainstream, heterosexual America - if you want to know what lies behind all the popular images of latex-clad dominatrixes in towering heels, this is your movie.

It was not flawless. Some bits were thrown in there for cheap laughs, and others to move the plot along (often a bit faster than is realistic). But both principals are completely believable and moving, as are their four kids, particularly the non-binary teen and the teen with drug issues.

I think the film may have audience problems, in that people who want to hear about blended families in the 21st century do not necessarily want to hear about BDSM, and vice versa. But if you have any interest in either topic, and you're reasonably open-minded about alternative sexualities and genders, this is well worth a couple of hours of your time.