The Kids Are All Right

Domestic dramedy about Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), a committed couple whose lives change after their 2 children contact the anonymous sperm donor responsible for being their biological father.  Completely modern setup initially feels like a writer’s conceit.  It’s the honest script that substantiates the film.  Each actor in the ensemble inhabits their character like a comfortable pair of jeans.  The vibe is relaxed and lived in.  The realization that this unconventional family is plagued by the same dysfunctions as traditional families isn’t earth shattering however.  Also, there is one strange shift in tone where a critical plot development is treated as a joke than with the seriousness it deserved.  Notwithstanding these flaws, the exceptional ensemble acting from the entire cast is what ultimately raises this quirky slice of life above the norm.