I was initially going to stick with the horror theme but, instead, I’ll use this opportunity to bring in another dark comedy into the mix. Dysfunctional family issues aren’t uncommon around the holidays but The Ref takes that dynamic to a whole new level.
Directed by Ted Demme
Screenplay by Marie Weiss & Richard LaGravenese
Starring: Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey
When a burglar is ditched by his partner during the middle of a job on Christmas Eve, he’s forced to take a bickering couple hostage. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he’s made a colossal mistake as the couple’s problems are far broader than anticipated. As pressure mounts thanks to the pair’s extended family, the intruder must serve as their relationship mediator if he wants any chance of getting away.
In his sophomore film, Ted Demme made a movie that was well ahead of its time. Released by Touchstone Pictures, this film is much more at home with the contemporary indie market. The screenplay by Marie Weiss and Richard LaGravenese is a profanity-laced adventure through a contentious marriage where the guy robbing them is the only good guy. This was a really bold offering at the time, mainly because family dysfunction of this magnitude and intensity hadn’t become cliche. Even behind all the vitriol, this is a smartly written film and Demme put the focus exactly where it needed to be.
Besides a strong script and good direction, the performances from Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey are exceptional. The majority of the story revolves around these three and the dynamic is incredibly fiery. Leary’s sarcastic sense of humor and attitude take center stage but the unapologetic hatred between Davis and Spacey is what makes it all work. It’s disarming enough to get the audience to sympathize with Leary’s character, Gus, even though he’s the one in the middle of committing a criminal act.
This is as atypical of a Christmas movie as you can get your hands on (digitally). You can watch it on demand through most streaming video rental services.
Happy Dysfunctional Holidays!
This is one of my family’s favorite Christmas movies. I have another alternative Christmas movie for you: Tokyo Godfathers. I watched it for the first time last night and it was very good!
I actually went and saw Tokyo Godfathers for the first time at an Arclight Xmas movie event last year. Certainly a unique holiday offering. Happy Holidays!