The first official trailer for Tangles has arrived, offering a moving glimpse into an animated drama about family, love and the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease. Featuring an impressive voice cast led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Abbi Jacobson, Bryan Cranston and Seth Rogen, the film explores how families navigate profound change while holding onto the connections that matter most.
Directed by Leah Nelson, Tangles is based on Sarah Leavitt’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Tangles: A Story About Alzheimer’s, My Mother and Me. Nelson co-wrote the screenplay with Leavitt and Trev Renney, bringing the deeply personal story to the screen through expressive, predominantly black-and-white animation.
A Family Story About Love, Memory and Resilience
Tangles follows Sarah (Abbi Jacobson), a young woman building an independent life in San Francisco during the 1990s. When she returns home, she reconnects with her vibrant mother, Midge (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and the complicated family dynamics that shaped her upbringing.
However, their reunion takes an emotional turn when Midge is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As her mother’s memories begin to fade, Sarah must confront the realities of caregiving while coming to terms with the changing relationship between them.
Rather than focusing solely on the heartbreak of the diagnosis, Tangles explores the humour, affection and imperfections that continue to define family relationships through difficult circumstances. Its animation style complements the intimate storytelling, offering a distinctive visual approach to a subject that affects millions of families around the world.
The newly released trailer provides a glimpse of Sarah’s journey, balancing poignant moments with lighter exchanges that reflect the unpredictable nature of family life. It also establishes the film’s central message: although memories can disappear, the bonds between loved ones can endure.
Seth Rogen Leads an Impressive Voice Cast
Alongside his voice performance, Seth Rogen serves as a producer on Tangles with his wife, Lauren Miller Rogen. The project also brings together an accomplished ensemble featuring Samira Wiley, Beanie Feldstein, Pamela Adlon, Sarah Silverman, Bowen Yang and Wanda Sykes.
Rogen has spoken about the film’s ability to blend sadness and humour, drawing on experiences that make its emotional journey particularly resonant. That combination is central to a story that acknowledges the difficulties of Alzheimer’s without losing sight of the joy and humanity that can exist alongside them.
The film made its world premiere in the Special Screenings section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it received recognition through nominations for the Caméra d’Or and Queer Palm. Its festival journey has helped introduce the project to audiences ahead of its wider theatrical release.
When Can You Watch
Tangles
?
Distributed by Independent Film Company, in partnership with Sapan Studio, Tangles is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on January 15, 2027, before expanding nationwide on January 22, 2027.
With its distinctive animation, acclaimed source material and talented voice cast, Tangles is shaping up to be an emotionally affecting exploration of family relationships and the lasting power of love when memory begins to fade.
The newly released trailer offers an early look at a film that promises to find moments of warmth and laughter amid one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Leave a Reply