As They Made Us
Bialik's uneven family dramedy has swearing, substance use.
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As They Made Us
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that As They Made Us is a dramedy about a dysfunctional Jewish family whose patriarch (Dustin Hoffman) is slowly dying of a mysterious illness. Written and directed by Mayim Bialik, the story is told through the eyes of dutiful daughter Abigail (Dianna Agron), who takes care of her parents despite their mood swings, violent outbursts, and previous child abuse (kids and teens are hit on camera). Both parents' psychiatric diagnoses are mentioned but not explored. Instead, the film is largely about how two adult siblings cope with the trauma inflicted upon them. Their parents are difficult and depicted as monsters, but it's clear that Abigail loves them deeply, even as they suck the life out of her. Jewish culture is woven through the film, particularly rituals associated with death and grieving. A character's fondness of smoking pot comes up several times, and alcohol also plays a role, with the main character making a poor judgment call while drunk. Strong language ("s--t," "f--k," etc.) is used throughout, and when one character gets angry, he calls another a "c--t."
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What's the Story?
AS THEY MADE US follows Abigail (Dianna Agron), a magazine writer whose overbearing parents demand much of her attention. When her father's (Dustin Hoffman) health begins failing rapidly, Abigail must manage his care, as well as her judgmental mother (Candice Bergen), estranged brother (Simon Helberg), two boys, ex-husband, potential new romance, and, oh yeah, her career.
Is It Any Good?
Mayim Bialik makes an impressive, if uneven, feature writing and directing debut, telling the prodigal son story from the point of view of the daughter who stayed. Abigail and her brother, Nathan (Helberg), took different paths to deal with their emotionally and sometimes physically abusive parents: Nathan left the toxicity behind and never looked back, while Abigail stayed and took on the full burden of caring for them. As viewers learn the full story of their difficult childhood, Bialik offers us a gauge against which to consider our own childhood experiences. Abigail and Nathan were kids in the '80s, a time when a parent smacking a kid who got out of line wasn't unheard of. With alcohol, drug use, and undiagnosed psychiatric conditions fueling their parents' behavior, especially the fighting, many adult viewers may find themselves reflecting on their own childhoods -- and the title makes it clear that that's Bialik's intent.
As They Made Us is overflowing with humanity, but it gets less enjoyable to watch as time ticks by. Eugene (Hoffman) is dying a slow death, and that's an apt metaphor for how viewers might feel. Bialik's directing is solid, and the cast's performances are excellent, but the script needs work to keep viewers engaged. Bialik's expertise in comedic talent is evident in the lightness infused in the dialogue, and it's hard to hate Bergen, even if her character is loathsome. While there's not much here for teens, Jewish families may especially appreciate the care Bialik has taken in representing Jewish culture and rituals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why so many movies are about dysfunctional families. What's the appeal of watching characters with problematic lives and relationships?
How does Abigail demonstrate self-control? Why is this an important life skill?
It's clear Abigail has a hard time setting boundaries when it comes to her mother. Compare her to characters in other movies you've seen who do maintain boundaries -- how do they achieve this? What would you advise Abigail to do?
How are drinking and drug use depicted in As They Made Us? Is substance use glamorized?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 8, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: April 8, 2022
- Cast: Dianna Agron, Candice Bergen, Dustin Hoffman
- Director: Mayim Bialik
- Studio: Quiver Distribution
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: December 3, 2022
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