MOVIE TITLE: Relative Control

This dramedy by Gravitas Ventures opens on digital platforms on April 11, 2025

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

A middle-aged, type-A attorney’s life spirals as she juggles her handful of an ex-cop father, forgetful mother, unemployed son, a reignited romance, and a hostile takeover in the biggest corporate control battle of her career.

RELATIVE CONTROL captures the humor, heartbreak, and chaos of balancing family caregiving and career with poignant authenticity. With over 30 million family caregivers in the U.S., RELATIVE CONTROL offers a relatable and timely story for multigenerational audiences.

The film was directed by Dafna Yachin. Writing credits go to Charlene Davis.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be completely bored with adult problems.
Some profanity
Talk of death and funerals

THEMES:

Family responsibilities
Stress
Control issues
Choices
Letting go

THINGS I LIKED:

I just watched Meet the Parents which, I think, was the first time I had ever seen Teri Polo in a movie. She stars in this one and did a terrific job painting an extremely realistic picture of the lessons embedded in the title.
Patrick McDade does a great job as the aging father and grandpa. I thought it was a cute tradition that he always tossed some hard candies to his daughter before she left his house, almost as if she were trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Other cast members Jeff Mark, Brian Anthony Wilson, Richard Lyntton, Nicholas Delany and more.
On a personal note, I could relate to many of the elements in this movie. A lot of people my age are in the thick of caring for the the generations before and after us, all while managing our own aging bodies. I lived this movie. I lost 3 parents in 3 months 2 years ago. Heartbreaking. Needless to say, this movie made me cry.
It looked like the movie was filmed in Wilmington, Delaware. What a charming city, especially with all of the fall colors. I actually lived there when I was 2 years old! All I remember is there was a door in the kitchen that went down to the basement. My niece and nephew both live there now. I hope to visit them there soon!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Teri Polo has a lot on her plate but is a control freak, which underscores the title of the film. She’s eternally cranky. She doesn’t smile or laugh until well into an hour in the movie.
There are some amusing moments, but the film is more serious because it’s about everyday drama and how hard life is. More humor would have been helpful to balance out all of the depressing moments.
The time could have been edited down a bit.
Most people go to the movies to get a break from their lives. For those currently going through these types of situations, this movie might be too much.