Now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download is the coming of age comedy-drama 3 Generations.
The film stars the incredible talents of Elle Fanning, Susan Sarandon and Naomi Watts. The film also stars Tate Donovan and Linda Emond.
I’m not entirely sure if this film ever aired in theaters – perhaps in a select few. I didn’t hear of the movie until I received a press release about it.
From the trailer this looked like a very complex and interesting film, which is why I wanted to review it. Check out the trailer for yourself (below).
Fanning stars as Ray. Ray was born Ramona. He was born female but has always thought of himself as a male. He has to deal with a lot of bullying at school because of this.
Ray lives with his mother, Maggie (Watts), grandmother Dolly (Sarandon) and Dolly’s partner Frances (Emond). They all share a brownstone in New York City.
As you can imagine, having three generations of the same family in the same home can present a lot of problems. Mothers and daughters often “butt heads” from time to time.
Maggie is accepting of Ray’s gender dysphoria, but she still has a lot of concerns.
Being a teenager is hard enough, but having to go through your life in a body you feel you were not meant to be in makes things even harder.
Ray finally makes the decision that he wants to fully transition into a male. In order to do that he would need both of his parents to sign off on it because he is a minor. Maggie is OK with all of it, but her ex (Ray’s father) is against the idea. Even Dolly doesn’t understand why Ray doesn’t become a lesbian instead of fully transitioning into a male.
This is certainly a serious matter, but the film does make light of it. There are plenty of comedic scenes throughout the film which is why I am labeling this film a comedy-drama (or “Dramedy”). It’s funny but serious all at the same time.
Will Ray finally get her family – including her estranged father – to accept her transition or will something come along to change her big decision? To find out you need to pick up (or download) 3 Generations. Look for it where ever films are sold.
Kudos to Elle Flanning. She was a brilliant choice for this role. She played it flawlessly. I even give her credit for cutting her hair so short (unless it was wig?). You could really sense the teen angst and other emotions she was experiencing throughout the film.
I have seen several films of Elle’s and I think by far this was her best acting role.
I think Susan Sarandon was underplayed in this film. I think the filmmakers could have used her a bit more. She didn’t get nearly as much screen time and I would have thought she would have.
Overall I enjoyed the film. It gives viewers a glimpse inside the struggle that many of today’s youth (and some adults) are dealing with when it come to acceptance – both of themselves and their peers, as well as being true to who you really are. It also deals with the the controversial subject of gender dysphoria in more lighthearted way.
There are a few plot twists and turns, which I honestly didn’t think was necessary to the film. But that is just one person’s opinion.
The Blu-ray has a few bonus features included deleted scene and a few extended scenes.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
shelly peterson says
I ever really heard anything about this movie. t does sound interesting and has a good cast.