Variance Films to Release ‘The Perfect Family,’ Starring Kathleen Turner
Variance Films has announced they will be releasing Anne Renton’s “The Perfect Famiy,” which stars Kathleen Turner in her first lead role in almost two decades. Turner stars as a religious suburban matriarch who must contend with her unconvential family.
Variance will be releasing the film theatrically in New York on May 4th with a future date to be determined for a wider expansion. The film will also be distributed on VOD by Gravitas Ventures.
The film initially premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and went onto be the opening film at the 2011 Provincetown Film Festival.
Full Press Release Below:
Variance Films announced today the Spring 2012
theatrical release of Anne Renton’s dysfunctional family comedy THE PERFECT
FAMILY. Starring Kathleen Turner in her first lead on-screen role in nearly two
decades, the film centers on a devout Catholic and suburban mom who must reconcile
her religious beliefs with her own family’s less than perfect behavior. The notable
supporting cast includes Emily Deschanel (“Bones”) Jason Ritter (HAPPY ENDINGS)
and the legendary Richard Chamberlain. The film was produced by the Present Pictures
team Jennifer Dubin & Cora Olson. THE PERFECT FAMILY premiered to critical
acclaim at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and was also the opening night film of the 2011
Provincetown Film Festival.
THE PERFECT FAMILY will be released theatrically May 4, 2012 in New York City,
followed by an expansion to top markets. Gravitas Ventures will be releasing the film
on video-on-demand across North America concurrent with its theatrical release. On
board to support the marketing is Matthew Cohen Creative alongside PR firm Brigade.
Director Anne Renton said, “I am extremely excited to be working with the dream team
of Variance, Brigade and Gravitas for the release of THE PERFECT FAMILY. As
a first time filmmaker I was blessed with an incredible cast, led by the dynamic and
exceptionally talented Kathleen Turner. I look forward to THE PERFECT FAMILY
being seen by a wide audience- the actors’ performances propel this very relatable story
into a not-to-be-missed film!”
Jennifer Dubin & Cora Olson commented,“We believe that distribution is part of the
modern producer’s job description and are thrilled to be working with this team – all
experts in their respective fields- to bring THE PERFECT FAMILY to the widest
possible audience.”
Dylan Marchetti, founder of Variance Films, said “it’s nothing less than a breath of
fresh air to find a film like this. Anne and her team have delivered a funny, wonderfully
modern, and always honest take on the dysfunctional family comedy that deftly skips
right over the conventions of the genre. Anyone who’s ever had a mother will find
themselves nodding at the screen with a knowing smile on their face, and we can’t wait to
see those smiles continue as people exit the theaters this May.”
Nolan Gallagher, CEO of Gravitas Ventures, remarked “Anne and the team at Present
Pictures have crafted a remarkable film mixing humor, pathos and terrific performances.
Audiences in theatres and at home will be laughing aloud while also thinking about their
own perfect family.”
SYNOPSIS
Suburban mother and devout Catholic Eileen Cleary (Kathleen Turner) has always kept
up appearances. When she runs for the Catholic Woman of the Year title at her local
parish—an award she has coveted for years—her final test is introducing her family to
the board for the seal of approval. Now she must finally face the nonconformist family
she has been glossing over for years. Her gay daughter, Shannon (Emily Deschanel),
a successful lawyer, is about to marry her life partner Angela (Angelique Cabral). Her
unhappily married son Frank Jr. (Jason Ritter) is cheating on his wife with the local
manicurist. And Eileen’s own marriage to a recovered alcoholic is pulling at the seams….
This heartfelt dysfunctional family comedy boasts a memorable performance from
Academy Award® nominee Turner as the conflicted and comical matriarch, alongside a
bright ensemble cast including Richard Chamberlain and Michael McGrady. Newcomer
director Anne Renton keeps the pacing taut and crafts an honest, modern family tale.
Writers Claire V. Riley and Paula Goldberg infuse just the right amount of seriousness
and levity into their script, reminding us that family is never truly perfect.
