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Relative

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Overview

David and Karen Frank are retirement-age progressive activists and parents who have lived in the same Victorian home on the north side of Chicago for 30 years. It’s the house in which their four children grew up and where two of their children, adult sons Benji and Rod, still live. On the eve of Benji’s graduation from college, daughters Evonne and Norma return home from out-of-state for a weekend celebration. Evonne brings her daughter, and newly separated wife; Norma arrives alone, with thoughts of wasted potential as she reconsiders her life; Rod, an unemployed burnout, pines for his ex who left years ago; and all Benji wants to do is escape the party to rendezvous with a free-spirited actress he met the night prior. As David and Karen announce the potential sale of their home, each member of the Frank family finds their bonds with the others being tested and strengthened in surprising ways. RELATIVE is a warm blend of comedy and drama about a modern American family.

Reactions, Awards & Festivals

“Featuring a brilliant and eclectic cast of talented veterans and relative newcomers, this is a wickedly funny, occasionally poignant and authentic-to-its-core drama/comedy about three eventful days in the life of a totally relatable extended family."

Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

"A heartwarming and spectacularly acted visit with a loving but dysfunctional Chicago family, with some of the best ensemble performances you'll see. This is an indie gem not to be missed."

Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

"Crucial Viewing: Smith gracefully interweaves the lives of all four siblings, their liberal Baby Boomer parents, and a handful of other characters as they come together amiably and unhurriedly, employing the time-honored scenario of the big family gathering to consider how many of us live at the dawn of the 2020s."

Ben Sachs

Cine-File

Grand Jury Award - Best Performance

Cameron Scott Roberts

Gasparilla Film Festival

Cast & Crew
  • Karen Frank : Wendy Robie
  • David Frank : Francis Guinan
  • Evonne Frank : Clare Cooney
  • Benji Frank : Cameron Scott Roberts
  • Rod Frank : Keith D. Gallagher
  • Norma Frank : Emily Lape
  • Lucia : Melissa DuPrey
  • Sarah/Karma : Heather Chrisler
  • Hekla : Elizabeth Stam
  • Writer/Director : Michael Glover Smith
  • Producer : Aaron Wertheimer
  • Executive Producers : Brian & Jan Hieggelke
  • Editor : Eric Marsh
  • Director of Photography : Olivia Aquilina
  • Production Designer : Stephanie MacDonald
  • Music Supervisor : Cait Rappel
Technical Info
  • Release Date : May 21, 2024
  • Production Year : 2022
  • Country : USA
  • Language : English
  • Running Time : 97 minutes
  • Aspect Ratio : 16:9
  • Rating : NR
  • Genre : Comedy, Drama, Romance

Wendy Robie and Francis Guinan in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Emily Lape, Wendy Robie, Cameron Scott Roberts and Francis Guinan in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Elizabeth Stam and Cameron Scott Roberts in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Cameron Scott Roberts and Elizabeth Stam in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Keith D. Gallagher, Cameron Scott Roberts and Melissa DuPrey in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Emily Lape, Cameron Scott Roberts, Clare Cooney, Francis Guinan, Wendy Robie, Keith D. Gallagher, and Melissa DuPrey in RELATIVE. Courtesy of Music Box Films.