Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fathers-in-law nearly ruin their kids' marriage; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Almost Family
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ALMOST FAMILY, Otavio (Leandro Hassum) is a controlling Brazilian widower whose daughter Mariana (Julia Svacinna) goes off to Paris on a violin scholarship, despite his efforts to discourage her. She was so eager to get away from home that she doesn't show up again for another three years. When she does, she's engaged to Miguel (Simon Hempe), also studying violin in Paris. She, her stepmom, and Otavio are invited to Miguel's home, a small Argentinian resort town, where they meet his parents—most importantly, his dad, the pompous blowhard Hector (Gabriel Goity). The dads instantly dislike each other, trying to top each other with boasts and through athletic competitions. Otavio, still undermining his daughter, tries to find dirt on Miguel, ultimately accusing him of having an affair with an ex. Will the fathers ruin the upcoming marriage?
Is It Any Good?
This film is meant to evoke the comic parental anxieties of Father of the Bride and movies like it. Unfortunately, this one just lies there like a dead fish. The jokes aren't funny. The overacting is a burden to watch. The actors playing the two fathers yell, mug, and gesticulate when talking quietly would do just fine. Sometimes they actually growl, and that's way before a wild animal enters the picture. Most of their decisions seem ill-advised.
And the bad decision-making isn't limited to the dads. The bride-to-be tells her fiancé, "Let's not focus on the future," which may be a first for a young woman about to be married and also about to embark on a difficult career in music. If any of it were funny, believability wouldn't matter. But it's neither believable nor funny. Once the families arrive at the Argentine resort, they never speak of the careers they are about to launch. No one pulls out a violin to practice. When the two dads meet, it's instant antipathy. Then, for no discernible reason, they suddenly love each other, complete with hugs and embraces. There are many better, funnier movies about meddling parents out there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why some parents feel the need to control their adult children. Do you think such "helpfulness" is actually helpful, or destructive? Why?
What do you know about the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina? Where could you go to learn more?
There are many movies about overbearing, interfering parents. What are some others you can think of? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 18, 2025
- Cast : Gabriel Goity , Leandro Hassum , Julia Svacinna
- Director : Felipe Joffily
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 23, 2025
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