Heather Graham’s Chosen Family is a heartfelt romantic comedy-drama that showcases her multifaceted talents as writer, director, and star. With a strong ensemble cast and a deeply personal narrative, Graham crafts a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled to balance family dysfunction, with the search for love. While the film doesn’t always find its footing, its charm make’s it a worthwhile watch.
In Chosen Family, Graham plays Ann, a yoga teacher in a picturesque Rhode Island coastal town, grappling with a chaotic family and a dismal dating history. Ann’s a chronic people-pleaser, unable to say no, whether it’s to her religious father (Michael Gross), narcissistic mother (Julie Halston), or her troubled sister Clio (Julia Stiles), fresh out of rehab. Her supportive friends—Roz (Andrea Savage), Max (Thomas Lennon), Frances (Odessa Rae), and Ella—provide the emotional backbone she needs. When they set her up with Steve (John Brotherton), a charming divorced dad, Ann’s hopes for love are tested by his manipulative 7-year-old daughter, Lilly (Ella Grace Helton), who’s determined to sabotage their budding romance.
Graham’s script shines in its exploration of codependency and the concept of a “chosen family”—the friends who become your true support system. Drawing from her own experiences, as noted in interviews, Graham infuses Ann with a vulnerability, making her journey toward self-empowerment feel authentic. As a director, Graham shows promise with fluid pacing and a knack for capturing the scenic beauty of Rhode Island. The indie vibe—complete with a modest budget—gives the film a raw, unpolished charm, but it occasionally stumbles with underdeveloped subplots, like Ann’s entrepreneurial struggles, which feel tacked on. The lack of background music, as some reviews have pointed out, can make quieter moments feel flat, and the rom-com elements don’t always gel with the darker themes of addiction and family trauma.
Chosen Family doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, but it doesn’t aim to. Instead, it offers a personal, female-driven story about setting boundaries and finding peace. Fans of Graham’s work, from Boogie Nights to Half Magic, will appreciate her continued evolution as a filmmaker, while newcomers will find a cozy, if imperfect, tale of self-discovery.
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