"Relative Control" is a heartfelt dramedy

Teri Polo shines in "Relative Control"

Director Dafna Yachin creates a moving and comedic depiction of a woman’s brave yet disorderly struggle to maintain normalcy in Relative Control. Teri Polo delivers an outstanding performance in the screenplay written by Charlene Davis for the film. Through its dramedy lens, Relative Control explores turbulent family caregiving and professional ambition while delivering both hilarious moments and relatable experiences.

Teri Polo portrays Sara, a single type-A attorney in her middle years who finds her well-structured world falling apart while managing her father, Joe, a troublemaking ex-cop played by Patrick F. McDade. (Patrick F. McDade) includes a forgetful mother who requires increasing daily assistance and an unemployed son who appears stuck in place. At the same time, rekindled romance simmers below the surface and creates additional complications. In addition to her challenges, she faces a pivotal corporate control battle that will ultimately define her professional legacy.

Relative Control succeeds because it perfectly merges personal and professional elements with both absurd and heartfelt moments. The film openly portrays caregiving challenges like guilt and exhaustion, balancing these emotions with clever humor and genuine heartwarming scenes. The movie touches a universal audience because its themes resonate with the 30 million caregivers in the U.S. and multigenerational viewers who experience similar experiences.

Polo exhibits profound depth and genuine vulnerability throughout her role, seamlessly transitioning from boardroom confidence to family distress. McDade and Brian Anthony Wilson deliver strong support with performances that stay grounded while depicting deep human emotions.

Relative Control illustrates how we may clutch at control, but life dictates its path, and authentic narratives start when we let go.

Final Grade: B

Relative Control is available to stream now .