RELATIVE

Written and directed by Michael Glover Smith

As members of the Frank family come together for a college graduation party in Chicago, they find their bonds being tested – and strengthened – in surprising ways.

Starring Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Clare Cooney, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Heather Chrisler, Elizabeth Stam, H.B. Ward, Cheryl Hamada, Penelope Walker and Gregory J. Fields

THEATERS

Click link for showtimes and tickets.

Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival (Bay City, Michigan): September 24-25

The New 400 (Chicago): October 2, 2022

Buffalo International Film Festival: October 6-20

American Cinematheque/Los Feliz Theatre (Los Angeles): October 14

Past engagements.

Music Box Theatre (Chicago): June 8, 2022

Gene Siskel Film Center (Chicago): Starting June 10, 2022

Hollywood BLVD (Woodridge, Illinois): Starting June 17, 2022

The Wilmette Theatre (Wilmette, Illinois): Starting June 18

Chicago Filmmakers (Chicago): July 9, 2022

The New 400 (Chicago): July 17, 2022

The New 400 (Chicago): July 24, 2022

Regal UA Midway/Festival of Cinema NYC Closing Night Film (Queens, New York): August 13

Studio Movie Grill (College Park, Indiana): August 20

Tivoli Theatre/After Hours Film Society (Downers Grove, Illinois): August 22, 2022

Avalon Atmospheric Theater (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Starts August 26

Hollywood Palms (Naperville, Illinois): Starts September 2

Tallahassee Film Festival (Tallahassee, Florida): September 3

Full Bloom Film Festival (Statesville, North Carolina): September 9 & 10

Studio Movie Grill (Wheaton, Illinois): September 17

PRESS & AWARDS

“Featuring a brilliant and eclectic cast of talented veterans and relative newcomers, this is a wickedly funny, occasionally poignant and authentic-to-its-core drama/comedy about three eventful days in the life of a totally relatable extended family." (***1/2 stars out of four)
—Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

"His intimate, actor-driven dramas are set not merely in the real world, but in specific locales, with dialogue testifying to the fact that both the characters and the place have histories that still weigh on them in the present. The movies are ragged and imperfect, alternate awkward and sublime, but when they hit, they strike deep and tear you up." (*** stars out of four)
—Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com

"Crucial Viewing: Smith gracefully interweaves the lives of all four siblings, their liberal Baby Boomer parents, and a handful of other characters as they come together amiably and unhurriedly, employing the time-honored scenario of the big family gathering to consider how many of us live at the dawn of the 2020s." (*** stars out of four)
—Ben Sachs, Cine-File

"One of the first great films I've seen in 2022...an impeccably cast, superbly directed and utterly captivating ode to the spontaneity and resilience of human connection"
—Matt Fagerholm, Indie Outlook

**** 1/2 stars out of five
—Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

"The screenwriting is excellent with many lines you have to quote." (**** stars out of four)
—Nancy Bishop, Third Coast Review

"A heartwarming and spectacularly acted visit with a loving but dysfunctional Chicago family, with some of the best ensemble performances you'll see. This is an indie gem not to be missed." (5 stars out of 5)
—Christopher Lloyd, The Film Yap

"One of 2022's most rewarding indie cinema efforts." (3.5 stars out of 4)

—Richard Propes, The Independent Critic

Grand Jury Award - Best Performance - Cameron Scott Roberts
—Gasparilla Film Festival

Jury Award - Best Ensemble
—Festival of Cinema NYC

Best Narrative Feature
—Full Bloom Film Festival