The Steps

The Steps is a 2015 film directed by Andrew Currie that brings us a complex and, at times, awkward family comedy. Full of charm, wit, and genuinely heartfelt moments, the movie combines mysterious elements with the struggles of familial bonding to create a perfect blend of humor and drama. The plot revolves around fast-paced New Yorker, Jeff (Jason Ritter), who is introduced to the complexities of family ties in ways he never could have anticipated.

The movie unfolds as Jeff, a financial executive from the city, heads to the middle of nowhere in northern Ontario to reunite with his father. At the invite of his venture capitalist father, Sherry (James Brolin), Jeff travels to a remote lakehouse where he discovers the unexpected – a large, blended, dysfunctional family brought together due to Sherry’s eccentricities and new, impulsive marriage.

Marla (Emmanuelle Chriqui), Jeff's New Age stepsister and a complete contrast to Jeff in every possible way, adds another layer of eccentricity and complicacy to the situation. She is free-spirited with a spiritual bent and runs a yoga retreat center, her lifestyle contributing to her quirky and unpredictable personality. Although both siblings are thrown off balance by their father's unforeseen actions, they attempt to take the developments in stride.

Much to their chagrin, the siblings learn that the eccentric Sherry and his offbeat, booze-loving, free-spirited bride, Jackie (Christine Lahti), have gathered all five adult children for a family retreat. Among the newly formed clan are recovering addicts, estranged family members, a deaf child, and an uptight Wall Street financier – the quintessential ingredients for a chaotic yet heartwarming family gathering.

What follows is a series of misadventures that test the tolerance and understanding of the entire family. Enclosed within the remote backdrop of the Canadian wilderness, the family engages in surprising, often comedic encounters. Jeff, with his financial inclination and urban habits, doesn't assimilate easily within the rural Canadian setting nor among the siblings and relatives who are as diverse as they get. Meanwhile, Marla tries to find love with diverse suitors while uniting this new, offbeat family. The group is forced to confront and reconcile their differences, revealing hidden secrets along the way.

The Steps is much more than just laugh-out loud humour. Its hysterical setup and slapstick comedy antics cleverly disguise a deeper exploration of family dynamics. Alongside being an engaging comedy, the film also beautifully portrays a well-drawn character study of a modern-day blended family. It examines how people, despite their differences, can find common ground for communication, love, and acceptance.

Featuring superior performances from the ensemble cast, The Steps brings the characters to life with their vivid interpretations. James Brolin as the eccentric but affable father, Jason Ritter as the out-of-place financier, and Emmanuelle Chriqui as the unpredictable but loving stepsister, exhibit great on-screen chemistry. The characters are believable, quirky and multi-faceted that audiences can not only laugh with, but also empathize with.

This heartwarming comedy-drama showcases a stylistic blend of beautifully composed cinema and traditionally grounded comedy-drama. Currie demonstrates a careful balance between comedy and character development, leading to a film that is both humorous and insightful. The director’s deep understanding of human emotion and tolerance combined with well-timed humour is a highlight in the film’s narrative approach. Fine cinematography further adds depth to the movie, capturing the breathtaking beauty of rural Canada in a manner that fuels the storyline.

The Steps, with its perfect blend of comedy, drama, and a touch of romance, paints an engaging tale about acceptance, dealing with change, and the complexities of family life. It provides audiences with a sensitive portrayal of a blended family grappling with their differences, while ensuring a good dose of laughter along the way. So, whether you're looking for a comedy, drama, or simply a film about families, The Steps could be a rewarding and engaging experience.