𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

Uncle Frank (2020) is a drama film written and directed by Alan Ball, known for his work on American Beauty and Six Feet Under. Set in the 1970s, the film stars Paul Bettany as Frank Bledsoe, a closeted gay man and literature professor living in New York City, and Sophia Lillis as his teenage niece, Beth, who admires her uncle’s intellect and independence.

The story begins when Beth accompanies Frank on a road trip from Manhattan to their small Southern hometown to attend the funeral of Frank’s father, Daddy Mac (Stephen Root). Along the way, Beth discovers that Frank has been in a long-term relationship with Wally (Peter Macdissi), a warm and supportive man from Saudi Arabia. Frank’s return home forces him to confront painful memories of his upbringing, including the deep-seated homophobia of his father and the trauma of being rejected by his family.

The film explores themes of identity, family, acceptance, and generational conflict. It portrays Frank’s struggle to reconcile his past with his present, as well as Beth’s journey of self-discovery as she witnesses her uncle’s courage and vulnerability. While the story deals with heavy topics, it is balanced with moments of warmth and humor, particularly through the dynamic between Frank, Wally, and Beth.

Uncle Frank received praise for its heartfelt performances, particularly Bettany’s portrayal of a man grappling with shame and grief, and its nuanced depiction of LGBTQ+ issues in the context of 1970s America. The film was released on Amazon Prime Video and resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and themes of love, forgiveness, and finding one’s true self.