Manuela Torres-Orejuela

I love a well-acted family story! Add in a love triangle that builds believably and an ailing family dog on her last few nights of sleep, you get a really unique balance of pathos, sincerity, and humor. You know these characters are mourning and yet they cope by making each other laugh. Despite the dysfunction, this is a family I'd want to go through life with. Low conformity and flowing conversation demonstrate a pluralistic dynamic that is lived in and intimate. I almost didn't realize it was filmed in New York because it just feels like a small-town story. Helps the viewer focus on the great acting more than anything. Basically, Polly Draper is a cool mom in front of and behind the camera. A comforting gem I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon and will share with family and friends for years to come.