★★★★

The Mattachine Family, co-executive produced by Zach Braff, details a married gay couple finding themselves heading in opposite directions after their foster son was returned to his mother after spending a year together.

Directed by Andy Vallentine, and co-written with husband Danny Vallentine, the film feels very personal in telling the story of Thomas (Nico Tortorella) trying to find purpose while famous actor and husband Oscar (Juan Pablo Di Pace) balances his ongoing acting career. A nice supporting cast, heightened by Emily Hampshire (“Schitt’s Creek”), brings themes of IVF challenges for her and her wife, bias in the adoption system and the struggles of same-sex families simply trying to live their lives unassumingly to the forefront in ways that are accessible, informative, and naturally non-judgmental.

The film tends to spin its wheels a bit in the final act and we may ultimately predict where this all ends up, but a great performance by Tortorella carries us through, wonderfully supported by the Vallentines compassionate approach to storytelling.

The Mattachine Family was screened as part of the 49th Seattle International Film Festival and is screening on May 12 and 13, 2023, with access through the SIFF streaming channel from May 22-28, 2023.