“The Squid and the Whale” is a metaphor for divorce. The title refers to an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, in which a model whale and giant squid are entangled with each other, engaged in a wordless, motionless struggle. Noah Baumbach directs this very personal film, which is, to a certain extent, biographical. The plot follows a family living in the suburbs that’s dysfunctional in every sense of the word, with a narcissistic father, fed-up mother, and misguided pair of brothers who separate and try to find hope despite pain. The writing and acting are both superb. Jesse Eisenberg gives a great performance as the sullen and angry Walt, while his younger brother is just as good as an innocent boy who grows up too fast. Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels are also terrific as the divorcing parents in the film. (Content-wise: there are no good role models, extremely offensive language, sexual acts concerning children, and "questionable" behavior all taking place throughout). The movie is rough, but has a very important, moving message that people need to hear.