With so many heartwarming stories told through the cinematic lens, you might wonder sometimes — what else is there to share? When we walk into the cinema or stream a film, we want to be transported, whether to a time hundreds of years BC or to the present day. What matters most is the story and its characters, who must connect with the audience. And when that little click happens, isn’t it the most beautiful feeling?
Over a singular, decades-long career, Ben Stiller has shown his versatility, moving effortlessly from farcical comedies like Zoolander to the brainy classics of Wes Anderson. His Nutcrackers director, David Gordon Green, has displayed similar range, from his acclaimed indie debut George Washington to the stoner comedy Pineapple Express and the horror reboot of Halloween. What both artists share is a taste for genuine dramatic emotion, and in Nutcrackers, they let it all out.
Michael (Ben Stiller) is a hotshot Chicago real estate developer who never had time for family. His sister once claimed he was incapable of love. When his sister and her husband die in a terrible accident, Michael is left as the only legal guardian of their four surviving boys and is suddenly responsible for their house and farm. Initially, he drives to the small Ohio town where his sister lived, thinking he just needs to sign some papers and get back to the city, but it’s not nearly that simple.
With their parents gone, the boys are practically feral. The family services worker (Linda Cardellini) needs time to find them a home, leaving Michael as their only guardian. Reluctantly, he steps into this unexpected role, chasing chickens, improvising “health” classes, and grappling with his newfound responsibilities. Desperate to free himself from inherited fatherhood, Michael is both surprised and amused to discover his sister had trained her boys in ballet. He wonders if this might make them charming enough to be adopted.
The children don’t greet Michael warmly at first — and frankly, he isn’t trying very hard. He’s made up his mind: the kids must go, and he should move on with his busy life. However, as he begins to build a bond with them, Michael realizes the siblings have much more to offer than their messy house, chaotic environment, and uncontrolled tempers. Gradually, the film reveals the beautiful process of their connection forming.
David Gordon Green, along with Ben Stiller and screenwriter Leland Douglas, takes the audience on a journey that sneaks up on you. Scene by scene, they build a story filled with humor, unexpected twists, and genuine emotion, revealing the makings of a new family. Green does an amazing job of capturing the warmth of relationships that can develop when one is open to it. Michael evolves over time, becoming less selfish than he once was. But there is a decision he must make, and the children are quite vocal about not wanting him to be the one. Will they find common ground or a loving, caring family? As the title suggests, expect a few unexpected twists and turns that will cement the beauty of this film right in the center of your heart.
Nutcrackers does everything to make the audience feel warm, comforted, and entertained. It reminds us that childhood should be a time of innocence, not marked by the harsh realities of life. However, when children face challenges beyond their control, they must navigate their way through, making choices that could lead to growth or despair. As Michael learns from his unexpected role as a guardian, the most beautiful relationships can form in the most surprising ways.