22 Family Movies Not To Watch With Your Family On Thanksgiving

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Junebug

This quiet family indie will hit close to home (no pun intended) for those of you who are planning a prodigal return for Thanksgiving after maybe too many years away. George and his new wife Madeline return to George’s family home in North Carolina; she’s hoping to meet a new artist and secure a deal, he agreed to introduce her to his family. Upon their arrival, it’s clear why he stayed away: his mother and father dote on him, calling him perfect at every turn, though he knows he doesn’t deserve it. His younger brother hates him for it. And his young sister-in-law, Amy Adams in her break-out role, is an overly optimistic and bursting-with-love ball of energy, who’s clearly using her pregnancy to keep her marriage, and the family, together. It’s a lot to walk into, for him AND for us. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of the seeming impossibility of navigating familial responsibilities and relationships, even if they appear to be stable. Its subtle moments of poignancy will remind you of the (rare) moments of silent reflection you’ve found yourself in on particularly revelatory visits home, and feel as real onscreen as they did when you were inside them.

Especially avoid if: You’re pregnant, or have a family member who’s expecting. Also, if you live far from your family, maybe on purpose, and don’t want to have to start dealing with the emotional implications of that nor the reasons for it just yet. Or maybe ever.