A little family drama presented, reviews of the film Threat

Nadia Zoe was director, producer and co-writer A little family drama. One of the main actors is co-author Ramon O. Torres. As one might assume from this knowledge, this is a production that is close to the filmmakers’ hearts. But passion doesn’t always mean good, because critical distance can help balance out the difficult phases. How does this comedic drama fare?

Cecilia (Diana Elizabeth Torres) has an attentive husband and a snarky teenage daughter at home. Even though she loves her very much, she feels unfulfilled. Why? The answer is that Cecilia still works at her family’s restaurant, owned by her grandmother Anselma (Alma Martinez) and run by her overbearing mother Victoria (Romi Dias). It doesn’t help that Cecilia is blamed for every little thing, while her younger brother Matias (Torres) has little responsibility and could probably get away with murder in the eyes of the matriarchs. How bad is it? Well, Victoria tells Cecilia to pick up her 30-year-old brother, but he’s still asleep and not ready for work. Who gets blamed for “being late” at the restaurant? Of course it’s Cecilia, while Matias gets away without a dirty look.

But the annual family reunion, the first since the death of Anselma’s husband, puts everyone under just enough pressure to cause them to boil. Anselma believes that everyone needs a fresh start, while her daughter demands that tradition be maintained at all costs. Considering how stubborn both ladies are, Cecilia and Matias get caught in the middle and don’t know which way to turn. What makes matters worse is the fact that Mattias put up the restaurant as collateral for his automated taco truck, but it failed. This means the family only has a few days to raise the funds to repay the loan, otherwise the facility will be foreclosed on.

“…The annual family reunion, the first since the death of Anselma’s husband, puts everyone under so much pressure that they are seething.”

A little family drama reminds me of another recent comedy that focuses on a dysfunctional family. Queen of knives. The difference, however, is that in this film, unlike this one, the mother figure, in this case Victoria, is a stubborn, stuck-up bitch whose stubbornness and refusal to take responsibility is damaging to her family. In that way, it’s gratifying to see people explode at her, as if Victoria really doesn’t understand how her behavior affects everyone else. Anselma and her constant battles with Victoria feel real.

Of course, since it’s a movie, most things are neatly cleaned up at the end. However, the point is not that this is a realistic depiction of events. No, it’s about seeing that it’s possible to overcome all of these personal conflicts and still come together as a family when it’s needed most. There is something affirming and reassuring about the ending, there is hope and a way forward, even if there is uncertainty ahead.

A little family drama is an entertaining drama with a few comedic touches here and there. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable. The cast, with each actor delivering a heartfelt performance appropriate to the situation at hand, ensures the audience is captivated and invested in the story. All in all, Zoe’s first feature-length title demonstrates a sensitive understanding of family bonds and human nature.

For more information, see the official A little family drama website.