'Family Portrait' Review: A Venture Struggling Between Short and Feature

Surrealist filmmaking has become a rarity in today's cinematic landscape, with the likes of David Lynch appearing less frequently. Yet, with 'Family Portrait' (2023), debut director Lucy Kerr aims to revive this elusive genre. The film, set against the backdrop of a seemingly benign family gathering, succeeds in creating a bizarre, tension-filled atmosphere but struggles to find its footing between a proof-of-concept short and a full-length feature.

'Family Portrait' follows Katy (Deragh Campbell) and her boyfriend Olek (Chris Galust) as they travel to her family's remote woodland property to take holiday photos just as the COVID pandemic begins. What starts as a seemingly ordinary task quickly spirals into a surreal odyssey when Katy's mother goes missing. The film delves into the mystery of her disappearance while exploring the surreal and time-bending events that ensue.

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Dysfunctional family dynamics have long been a staple in fiction, but Kerr's approach is refreshingly unique. By setting the story in an unpredictable, surreal environment, the film explores family tensions in a new light. The subtle discord between family members is felt through fleeting glances and dialogue, building suspense without exploding into overt drama. This restraint keeps viewers intrigued, wondering if the simmering frustration will ever reach a climax or if, as often happens in real life, it will simply remain unspoken.

The film's surreal and dreamlike quality is further enhanced by its sound design. Kerr begins with a complete absence of sound, gradually introducing the chaotic murmur of a family gathering. This choice underscores the importance of visual storytelling, immersing the audience in the off-kilter world of the film.

Cinematographer Lidia Nikonova's work adds to the film's distinctive style. The use of natural lighting and practical locations grounds the surreal elements, even during the more bizarre and time-bending sequences. The choice to keep the camera at a distance mirrors the film's artwork-inspired approach, inviting viewers to interpret the scenes themselves.

However, 'Family Portrait' does face significant challenges. The characters and plot lack substantial development, which is often a feature of surrealist works but can be frustrating for viewers seeking more narrative resolution. The film's 78-minute runtime means some issues could have been addressed with additional content, potentially transforming it from a stylish short into a fully developed feature.