Uncle Frank

Pick #900

Uncle Frank

Dir. Alan Ball · United States of America · Arabic, English

An easy road-trip movie with an abundance of heart

7.9 Our score

2020 Movie Drama, TV Movie

Prime Video

Our take

You’ll recognize more than a few faces in Uncle Frank. There are no mega-stars but the caliber of acting in this 70s story is truly impressive.

Beth is an 18-year-old in rural South Carolina who grew up admiring the family member she could relate to the most: her uncle, a college professor living in New York.

When she finishes high-school, she makes the move to the city her beloved uncle told her so much about. Once there, she discovers that he has been living a double life which he kept a secret from the family.

This is the perfect holiday movie for those looking for a story that’s not about the actual holidays. It’s sweet, often funny, and packs a heartfelt and genuine story without being too predictable.

Streaming arrival

  • Prime Video

What it won

Awards

Sundance

1 nom

Nominated: Official Selection

WGA

1 nom

Nominated: Original Long Form

The story

What happens

In 1973, when Frank Bledsoe and his 18-year-old niece Beth take a road trip from Manhattan to Creekville, South Carolina for the family patriarch's funeral, they're unexpectedly joined by Frank's lover Walid.

Elsewhere

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"[E]ven at its most manipulative, "Uncle Frank" remains polished and engaging."

— Dennis Harvey

The details

About this pick

Year
2020
Type
Movie
Director
Alan Ball
Cast
Paul Bettany, Peter Macdissi, Sophia Lillis, Steve Zahn
Language
Arabic, English
Country
United States of America
Rated
R

Who picked it

About the author

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir

Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is based in the US and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.

Comments

  1. A light hearted rom-com involving a decision that can/ cannot be traumatic for people.

    It picks the former & follows on it beautifully :)⚡

Add your review

Your email address will not be published.*