The Guys Next Door 2016
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Produced by Amy Geller and Allie Humenuk
Directed by Amy Geller and Allie Humenuk
DVD, color, 74 min.
College - General Adult
Child Rearing, Family, Family Relations, Gay, Interpersonal Relations, Parenting
Date Entered: 05/29/2018
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Dean of Library Services, Valparaiso UniversityThis DVD is reminiscent of the television program Modern Family--only a portrait in real life. It tells the story of Sandro and Erik, a gay married couple whose friend Rachel is surrogate for their two daughters. Rachel is married to Tony and they have three children of their own. As a group, the four adults and five children form a unique extended family. The film follows the group over three years, touching on some of the most challenging issues of our time: the extension of the American family, gay marriage and parenting, and surrogacy as a path to having children. I highly recommend this film for undergraduate classes focused on contemporary society, gender roles, health and family, and gay parenting and surrogacy. It shows the power of friendship, family, and modern relationships in a new and powerful way.