Surviving Family

This film is a great film from Writer/Producer Mara Lesemann and Director Laura Thies. This film kept my interest from start to finished. It was well written and well filmed almost like it was done by a major studio. I love the story of how Terry found happiness with a new husband even with all the bad things in her life. I am looking forward to seeing more films done by this writer and director. I found out about this movie through another writer/director that referred me to Mara and love having a good friendship with many actors,directors, writers and producers. I strongly feel that films done by independent film companies can be just as good as ones done by major studios. I highly recommend everyone to watch this film. You will love it as much as I do.

Not literal ghosts ... although I reckon some may feel that way. Our own family may seem crazy to us, but sometimes if we compare it to other families ... they might be quite sane in comparison. That being said, this is a low budget effort and I am quite surprised it gathered so much festival love (I reckon the prizes and nominations are from that - I might be wrong).

That being said, the movie is really well done. Interesting relationships and well performed (good) dialog too. Something that is not really a given in low budget movies, but usually I try to give/cut them slack if that happens. Pacing is good, but may be too slow for some. Depending on where you come from, you may cherish this or be annoyed by it. Just be sure to know what this is (about) and if it is something you want to see in general.

This film is a must see- it sheds light mental health and how vital it is to get help- written and produced by Mara Leseman- excellent film!

A very well-written film on a very critical topic - as a mental health advocate and film maker, I know first hand how mental health affects every family, every community. Casting was impeccable and the chemistry between key actors was right on point!

There is dramatic scenes as well as some comedic scenes sprinkled in as well.

Surviving Family, is as good as a movie comes for indie productions, I thoroughly enjoyed watching, it was well written, well shot and well acted, a breath of fresh air compared to the Hollywood factory. With actors portraying family members we can all relate to, it draws us into the movie with compelling performances scene after scene. The good reviews it has received so far are purely fair comment on a deserving piece of work. I especially found the actors believable, which is often lacking on low budget films where casting is often an afterthought. Unsurprisingly it has had it's fair share of prizes and awards. If you haven't watched an indie film before then this will be a revelation to see what can be done without big names and even bigger budgets.

Surviving Family paints a realistic view of a dysfunctional family and the resultant baggage each member carries. It demonstrates how children can be affected by tragedies especially when their "whys?" go unanswered and how the consequences of family secrets can distort the truth and affect their relationships as they grow up. Every once in a while a movie challenges you to think.This is that kind of movie. The actors are great. Phyllis Somerville, a veteran actress finally clears the air about the Malone family for niece Terry played by talented Sarah Wilson. Her fiancée is played by Billy Magnussen who went from this movie on to Broadway and is now debuting in Steven Spielberg's INTO THE WOODS.Incidentally, he's a hunk. For those of you who are Soprano fans Vincent Pastore plays the mayor of the town. This is a well written, well acted, well photographed unpretentious movie that makes you think.See it. You'll like it.