
There
is nothing like a funeral to bring out the worst in a family.
And nothing has more comic potential than a family like the one
in Eulogy. They are wacky, self-involved, eccentric, and backbiting,
and when played by an ensemble of talented actors, the result
is nothing short of hilarious.
The
story is simple enough. A family is summoned home to celebrate
the death of a loved one. Kate, the favorite granddaughter, is
entrusted with preparing a eulogy to celebrate the life of dead
Grandpa Collins. Once everyone arrives, you have to question the
sanity of a patriarch who could spawn such a dysfunctional bunch.
Kate's attempt to unearth fond memories is met with resistance.
The four children can only remember a distant father who could
barely keep their names straight.
First-time
feature director Michael Clancy masterfully handles his own script,
where characters play perfect counterpoint to each other's eccentricities.
Family comedy may not be a new genre, but the depth and nuance
of these characters are a tribute to Clancy and his cast. As the
plot gathers steam, the comedy just gets blacker. Eulogy is sure
to be a cautionary tale for anyone who has not witnessed a wrestling
match between two sisters during a family meal.
,
John Cooper, Sundance Film Catalog