Photo from IMDb

When you think of a solid Christmas movie, I wouldn’t be surprised if your mind flashed to Elf, The Grinch, or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Mine typically does, too.

However, I saw a particularly off-beat holiday movie for the first time last year, and it has somehow made its way to my regular seasonal watchlist.

The Family Stone is a more unconventional Christmas movie choice during a time that is supposed to be full of joy. Although it is not exactly a feel-good film, I find it to be hilariously relatable with its genius depiction of family drama, political differences, and clashing personalities.

The movie follows the Stone family of five children, two played by Luke Wilson (Ben Stone), Rachel McAdams (Amy Stone), and the mom and dad played by the iconic Diane Keaton (Sybil Stone) and Craig T. Nelson (Kelly Stone). They are introduced to their oldest son’s new girlfriend for the first time.

Everett Stone, played by Dermott Mulroney, brings home Meredith, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, for Christmas.

To say that the atmosphere in the Stone household this holiday is uncomfortable would be an understatement. From the very beginning, it’s clear neither party is fond of the other.

Meredith is uptight, reserved, and conservative, while the members of the Stone family are collectively rude, unpolished, and liberal. The family is far from welcoming and unsupportive of the brother’s relationship.

If your family is any percentage of dysfunctional like the Stone’s, you may find comfort in the movie’s familiarity.

We’ve all been in a similar unfortunate situation, either meeting a significant other’s family for the first time or welcoming a new face into our home. We habitually cross our fingers for things to go smoothly, but it proves to be a tumultuous experience more often than not.

Most of the movie is about the strenuous dynamic between the new girlfriend and the family. Meredith bends over backward and comedically makes a fool of herself in an attempt to make a good impression. The opposite is achieved.

Keaton plays the perfect overprotective mother who initially refuses to give up a family engagement ring to Everett so that he can propose.

Everett is warned by his family members that he and his girlfriend do not belong together. Even Meredith questions if he really wants to be with her or if he has ulterior motives for them being involved.

Underneath it all, the family is struggling to cope with the mother’s returning cancer diagnosis, which immediately gives the movie more depth and direction.

There is so much pressure on Everett and Meredith’s potential marriage because he is attempting to cope with the inevitable loss of a parent.

You can’t help but feel the heaviness on the family members’ shoulders as they celebrate their expectedly last Christmas with their mom. Their negative attitudes are finally understood.

After embarrassing herself so severely throughout the movie, Meredith seeks redemption with a simple gift offering in one of the final scenes. She gives each family member an old framed photo of the mother while she was pregnant with her youngest daughter, Amy.

Based on the family members’ reactions, the bond between the mother and the rest of the clan was exactly what they needed to be reminded of. The emotional moment of reflection shared between McAdams and Keaton in this scene is one of the most touching I have seen in any holiday film. They well up with tears, and so do you.

The simple gesture reminds the family of their blessings, of what the heart of the holidays are really about: showing gratefulness for each other.

The family apologizes to Meredith for treating her poorly and finally accepts her into their lives.

By the end of the film, Meredith and Everett split. Meredith ends up in a relationship with Everett’s brother, Ben, and Everett gets together with Meredith’s sister, Julie. Her character is played by Claire Danes, and she comes to stay with the family halfway through the holiday.

The Family Stone is funny and awkward, yet really warm.

The movie captures the stressors, sorrows, and uncertainties that come with the holidays that nearly every family encounters.

Sometimes, shutting up and putting up with relatives, especially this time of year, is what you must do in order to stay in each others’ lives. Loving your family means sacrifice, understanding, and a whole lot of patience.

If you are looking for a down-to-earth story with a star-studded cast, look no further! The Family Stone is begging to be watched.