Director: David Gordon Green
TIFF Presentation: Gala Presentation
Country: USA
Year: 2024
Runtime: 104 minutes
Language: English
Cast: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Ulysses Janson
The Deal: A workaholic from Chicago (Stiller) becomes responsible for his four orphaned mischievous nephews in rural Ohio.
Stiller’s Michael is initially reluctant to take on the role of temporary guarding, thinking the whole thing would last a short time. However, he ends up forming a bond with his nephews and learning more about the life his sister and brother-in-law had built for their family.
The Janson siblings – Homer, Ulysses, Atlas, and Arlo – are the real-life brothers who portray the Kicklighter boys and are the film’s heart, each bringing a natural charm and energy as Stiller’s nephews. Cardellini plays the social worker who is handling the case and adds the layer of warmth and compassion missing initially from Stiller’s Michael.
Watch This If: Nutcrackers could become a Christmas and family classic in the same vein as Meet the Parents.
Rating: ★★★★
Nutcrackers will premiere on Disney+ in Canada this December.