Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Give or Take is a comedy/drama about a man who must contend with his mixed feelings for his father’s homosexual lover while settling his father’s estate after his passing.
Martin (Jamie Effros) hasn’t spoken to his father, Kenneth, since his mother passed six years ago. The main reason for his distance is because Kenneth fell in love with Ted (Norbert Leo Butz). During that time, Ted moved into the family home and the two men made a life for themselves.
After learning of his father’s death, Martin returns home to bury him and decide what to do with the family house, where Ted is still living.
Some Thoughts:
Give or Take is as enjoyable comedy/drama that’s a bit light on both. It gives an accurate portrayal of life on Cape Cod, with beautiful images and honest depictions of the locals.
Both Martin and Ted are well defined and realistic, which centers the film. And while much of the drama is because Ted and Kenneth were never married, it doesn’t become heavy handed with political messaging. It’s handled as a simple fact that Ted must now contend with.
While the movie has a wonderful subtlety and realism, there are two over the top characters that become distracting, real estate agent Patty King (Cheri Oteri) and Lauren (Annapurna Sriram), Martin’s girlfriend. While Martin’s relationship with Lauren adds an extra depth to Martin, Lauren is ridiculous and not necessary. And Patty is so outrageous that she’s unrealistic, which is an odd choice for a film that’s striving for realism.
Aside from the inclusion of two misguided characters, the rest of the film plays out well. The pacing is good, and both Martin and Ted are empathetic.
The Final Verdict:
Give or Take is a light comedy/drama with a decent cast and an interesting subject. Aside from the addition of two minor characters who distract from the story, the film is well done and enjoyable.
