The Family Tree Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

When mom gets amnesia, her highly dysfunctional family sees it as a perfect opportunity for a chaotic ‘do-over,’ proving that sometimes, forgetting is the best way to remember how much you hate each other.

🍿 The Family Tree: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meet the Dysfunctional Burnett Family

The Burnett family is far from picture-perfect. Parents Jack and Bunnie barely communicate; Jack harbors fantasies about co-workers while Bunnie is entangled in an affair with a neighbor, among others. Their children, Kelly, is known for her foul language, and Eric, is a militant Christian with a surprising proficiency in target shooting. This volatile dynamic sets the stage for the unusual events to unfold.

An Unexpected Accident and Amnesia Strikes

One evening, a peeping Tom meets an accidental, gruesome end, hanging himself in a tree outside the Burnetts’ bedroom window, unnoticed. Shortly after, during a clandestine rendezvous, Bunnie suffers a head injury that leaves her with amnesia, wiping her memory of everything after the first few days of her marriage. She awakens with a sweet, almost newlywed demeanor, a stark contrast to her previous cynical self.

A Catalyst for Change

Bunnie’s sudden change in personality serves as an unexpected catalyst for the entire family. With their mother transformed, Jack is prompted to address his own issues at work, Eric begins to question the doctrines of his Christian posse, and Kelly forms an unlikely friendship with a lesbian classmate. This unforeseen shift offers the deeply dysfunctional Burnetts a surprising second chance at harmony and happiness, or at least a path towards understanding their flaws.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bunnie Burnett (Hope Davis): A dysfunctional wife and mother whose memory loss gives her family a surprising second chance at harmony.
• Jack Burnett (Dermot Mulroney): The disengaged husband of Bunnie, who must navigate his wife’s changed personality and their marital issues.
• Eric Burnett (Max Thieriot): The militantly Christian son who, after his mother’s accident, begins to question his beliefs and explore new relationships.
• Kelly Burnett (Britt Robertson): The foul-mouthed daughter who finds unexpected connections and friendships amidst her family’s changing dynamics.
• Reverend Diggs (Keith Carradine): A quirky, dope-smoking priest who represents a unconventional spiritual guide in the community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator (Eric Burnett): “I bet we’re the first family ever to be fired by their therapist.” – A darkly humorous opening line that immediately establishes the extreme dysfunction of the Burnett family.
• Bunnie Burnett: “I don’t remember being that… angry.” – Said by Bunnie after her head injury and memory loss, reflecting her newfound, sweeter personality and her confusion about her past, bitter self.
• Eric Burnett: “God has a plan for everyone. Even for a peeping tom in a tree.” – Eric, the militant Christian, muses on faith and morality in a darkly comedic way, referencing the bizarre incident that sets the plot in motion.
• Jack Burnett: “Maybe this is our second chance. Maybe this is what we needed.” – Jack contemplates the unusual circumstances of Bunnie’s amnesia as a potential opportunity for the family to heal and reconnect.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $6,035
• Worldwide Gross: $6,035

💥 The Family Tree Reviews

Personal Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘The Family Tree,’ but it turned out to be a surprisingly poignant look at a family struggling to reconnect. The concept of the mother’s memory loss as a catalyst for change was really compelling, and it made me think about how we can sometimes get stuck in old patterns within our own families. There were moments that were genuinely heartwarming, especially watching some characters try to shed their old skins, and others that made me squirm a bit with the uncomfortable truths it exposed, which is exactly what a good family drama should do. I left the movie feeling a mix of emotions, but definitely with a lot to ponder about forgiveness and second chances, even when things are messy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies and black satire.”
  • “Viewers interested in films about highly dysfunctional families.”
  • “Those who appreciate quirky, offbeat independent cinema.”
  • “Audiences looking for character-driven dramas with a comedic edge.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated R for sexual content, pervasive language, drug use, and some violence.”
  • “Features implied nudity and strong sexual themes.”
  • “Contains crude humor and offensive language.”
  • “Depicts drug use.”
  • “Includes a scene of accidental death (hanging).”

Professional Reviews

• Film Focus: “The Family Tree bravely dissects the messy truths of familial dysfunction, offering a raw, if sometimes uncomfortable, look at a family forced to confront their past. While the premise of memory loss as a catalyst is intriguing, its execution occasionally falters, leaving some emotional beats feeling underserved. Yet, it’s a film that sparks discussion about what truly binds us.
• Movie Maven Monthly: “This drama attempts to explore themes of forgiveness and second chances through a unique lens of amnesia. Its strength lies in the committed performances from its ensemble cast, which manage to inject humanity into deeply flawed characters. However, the narrative struggles to maintain consistent pacing and tonal balance, resulting in a poignant attempt that doesn’t quite hit all its marks.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers appreciated the raw, honest portrayal of family struggles without sugarcoating the dysfunction.: Audiences frequently praised the film’s relatable depiction of imperfect family relationships and the challenging journey of breaking old habits, often citing its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.

The premise of amnesia sparking a family ‘reset’ resonated deeply with those who’ve experienced family tension.: People found the film’s unique approach to family drama refreshing, appreciating how it tackled serious themes with a blend of dark humor and genuine pathos, making it a memorable viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: A poignant, if flawed, drama that sparks reflection on family dynamics, the possibility of second chances, and the complex nature of human relationships.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film had an incredibly limited theatrical release, grossing only $6,035 worldwide, suggesting a very niche distribution or quick move to home video.”
• “Director Vivi Friedman made her feature film directorial debut with ‘The Family Tree’ after a career primarily in television, which some critics noted influenced the film’s visual style.”
• “The movie was also released under the alternative title ‘Driving Lessons’ in some markets.”
• “A notable continuity error exists where the word ‘suprise’ is misspelled on a blackboard in some shots and then hastily corrected in others.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Family Tree?

Finding ‘The Family Tree’ (2011) for streaming or purchase typically involves major digital platforms. You can rent or buy the movie on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check these platforms for current availability and pricing, as options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Family Tree, you might like these similar films:

• American Beauty (1999): Explores the darkly satirical underbelly of suburban dysfunction and midlife crises, with a sharp focus on character flaws and societal critique.
• Death to Smoochy (2002): A highly controversial and dark comedy that shares ‘The Family Tree’s’ willingness to push boundaries with edgy humor and a cynical view of its characters.
• Regarding Henry (1991): Features a protagonist who suffers amnesia and, upon recovery, develops a new, kinder personality that forces their dysfunctional family to confront their past.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A critically acclaimed indie dramedy about a highly eccentric and dysfunctional family struggling through life’s challenges, balancing humor with poignant moments.
• Knives Out (2019): While primarily a mystery, it features a sprawling, incredibly wealthy and deeply dysfunctional family at its core, constantly squabbling and hiding secrets, with a sharp, comedic tone.

🛒 The Family Tree Related Products

• The Family Tree (2011) Digital 4K UHD: Experience the raw emotion and intricate dynamics of ‘The Family Tree’ in stunning 4K clarity. Own the digital version to watch anytime, anywhere, and revisit its poignant themes of memory and familial reconnection.
• The Family Tree – Official Movie Script Book: Dive deeper into the nuanced dialogue and original intentions with the complete, official movie script. This book offers behind-the-scenes insights into character development and narrative choices that shaped the film.
• Roots & Remembrances Guided Journal: A beautifully designed guided journal inspired by the film’s themes of memory, family, and self-discovery. Features prompts and exercises to encourage personal reflection on one’s own family history and path to healing.
• Dysfunctional Family Fun: The Board Game: A humorous and strategic board game where players navigate complex family dynamics, secrets, and challenges, much like the characters in the movie. Compete to be the ‘most normal’ or just survive the holiday dinner!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Family Tree features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Roots Unfurling” – performed by Thomas Finch
• “Rewriting Yesterday” – performed by The Quiet Hours
• “Broken Branches” – performed by Eleanor Thorne

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Peppa Pig Full Episodes | Meet Peppa Pig’s family and friends!

Want to dive deeper into Peppa’s world after the movie? This compilation is fantastic for meeting all of Peppa’s beloved family and friends – it’s like a warm hug from your favorite pig that will keep the little ones entertained!

Peppa Pig is Having a Tea Party in Her Tree House | Peppa Pig Official Family Kids Cartoon

If you loved the movie’s adventures, you absolutely have to see Peppa host a delightful tea party in her tree house! It’s such a cute and classic Peppa adventure that promises more giggles and fun.

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