FAMILIES LIKE OURS - Review | TIFF 2024

Thomas Vinterberg's latest series is an emotionally grueling but mesmerizing epic where the substantial character writing and truly believable performances make the entire journey worth it. Since the characters have to deal with the aftermath of their country being shut down due to rising water levels, it creates an endless amount of compelling drama involving them having to make tough decisions about where they choose to go while dealing with the repercussions. Luckily, the world and concept that Vinterberg has created feels so detailed and lively for how many aspects and perspectives he's able to explore. Even with certain characters making questionable choices, their behaviors are consistent and Vinterberg leaves us with the most pioneering and moving project of his career where every technical department of his work has stepped up their craft.

Still Courtesy – Studiocanal

Set during a not-too-distant future in Denmark, Nikolaj (portrayed by Esben Smed) is a government employee who receives early warnings regarding the eventual shutdown of the country due to rising water levels that will inevitably sink the country. Before this is announced to the public, Nikolaj makes sure to let his partner Henrik (portrayed by Magnus Millang) know along with his family member Jacob (portrayed by Nikolaj Lie Kaas) to take advantage of the early situation. However, when the government makes the information public, the entire country is in chaos and scrambling as to where they will immigrate. This includes Laura (portrayed by Amaryllis April Maltha August), daughter of Nikolaj, who struggles to decide which of her divorced parents she'll join or if it's her lover Elias (portrayed by Albert Rudbeck Lindhardt) that she should stay with instead.

Everything that's just been described is basically just the setup to a limited series that progresses into darker, more surprising, and more extreme situations. Traits that are to be found with some of Thomas Vinterberg's other films, especially The Celebration (1998), and The Hunt (2012). He's someone who despite working with a similar tone and reoccurring actors, every story Vinterberg tells always feels refreshing and different compared to the previous one he did. Families Like Ours (2024) is definitely no exception to this where directing a series for the first time has not only allowed him to have his most expansive story to date. At the same time, the scale and scope of Families Like Ours (2024) is a drastic upgrade to his other projects given that the story deals with a massive crisis requiring an insane amount of actors and locations for it to be believable.

Still Courtesy – Studiocanal

Thankfully, he proves that he's more than capable of working on projects with a higher production value while not making any sacrifices to the compelling/distressing character drama found in his other work. This is especially thanks to the incredible set of actors we follow where it's hard to think of another recent television project with such a powerful ensemble who are all engaging to follow. The most prominent character has to be Laura where all the pain she's put through while still being a strong and determined individual makes her journey so striking to watch. Shockingly, it's the debut performance of Amaryllis April Maltha August as Laura who is able to outshine most of the ensemble, including several Vinterberg favorites like Magnus Millang and Thomas Bo Larsen that also get their time to shine.

Honestly, the less people know about the story, the better the experience will only be. So great that it's hard to imagine while watching it that it's a fictional situation for how absorbing the series can get. Not only by the amazing characters/performances that are all given their own multi-dimensional journey and development. Also, Vinterberg being given a longer length allows him to take his time on clearing every significant detail as to what would happen if this situation were to occur and what different types of people would do about it. This includes plenty of moments where it might be frustrating to see what path certain characters choose to take, which could be seen as idiotic or illogical. However, since certain characters were developed to act in this manner, it seems appropriate for them to make certain decisions, even if this statement is contradicted at certain points. Still, Vinterberg's talent for making riveting television could not be more obvious once finishing the entirety of Families Like Ours (2024). A project that is one of the crowning achievements of Vinterberg's career that deserves to be seen and remembered by everyone who chooses to experience this chaotic and poignant masterpiece.

Verdict

9/10

Still Courtesy – Studiocanal