Educational Media Reviews Online

In Paris, a blended family finds out that the wife’s father has died, and they all must travel to a small town for his funeral. Claire and Maurice, Claire’s son Alexandre, Maurice’s daughter Lucie, and their daughter together, the delightfully named Prune, plus Claire’s brother Marc, hop into the old family van. This road trip will highlight their individual problems and their family dynamics, including Maurice’s less-than-truthful handling of his pending transfer to another town for a job, Alexandre’s attraction to Lucie, and Marc’s rocky relationship with his girlfriend.

Reminiscent of the family in the film Little Miss Sunshine (2006), the Guilbys also contend with various dysfunctions, moody teenagers, the wife’s brother traveling with them, and ever-present car problems. Like that American movie, this French film offers the same combination of humor, pathos, and a satisfying ending.

The scenery is beautifully photographed, both in the city and the country. Interesting camera angles, including aerials, and shots that focus and fade make for enjoyable viewing. The sound quality is excellent, and includes music with songs in French and English and some instrumentals. Dialog is in French with English subtitles.

Top-notch actors all, the cast portrays the relationships between each character – romantic, antagonistic, parental, sibling – with spot-on accuracy. Minor characters are written to play beyond stock portrayals.

Viewers who enjoy discussing movies can move from the setting and characters to discuss themes and the symbolism of the cows that show up throughout the film. This would be a good title for film discussion groups, college film classes, and family film nights. College and public libraries should consider its purchase.

Meet the Guilbys will satisfy fans of foreign films, road trip films, and films that explore family relationships. An entertaining and moving story, sure to please.