The Tribes of Palos Verdes

The 2017 film The Tribes of Palos Verdes is a captivating drama that revolves around the life of the Mason family who move to the coastal city of Palos Verdes, California, hoping for a fresh start. The protagonists are the intelligent and unassuming teenage twins, Medina (played by Maika Monroe) and Jim (played by Cody Fern), and their parents, Phil (Justin Kirk) and Sandy Mason (Jennifer Garner). But as the family unravels and parental disputes become expansive, the Mason's idyllic dream of a restart begins to crumble, and it falls on the shoulders of the twins to navigate the tumultuous familial dynamics.

Among the first things the audience will notice about The Tribes of Palos Verdes is the electrifying performance by Maika Monroe as Medina. Known for her roles in psychological thrillers, Monroe captivates viewers as the resilient young woman who uses surfing as her refuge from the domestic upheaval. Monroe dynamically portrays Medina's grit, resilience, and vulnerability. Then there is Cody Fern, the emerging Australian actor known for roles in popular TV series like 'American Crime Story'. He perfectly captures the transformation of his character, Jim, who starts as the more socially adept twin but declines into drugs as the family experiences escalating crises.

Jennifer Garner bounds outside her traditional filmography to play the troubled, emotionally unstable Sandy Mason. Her transformation from a mother seeking better opportunities for her family to a woman wrestling with her insecurities, fears, and manic episodes is applaudable. Justin Kirk equally shines as Phil, a heart surgeon whose ambitions, infidelity, and callousness provide the undertones for the family's dysfunction.

The Tribes of Palos Verdes is an adaptation of Joy Nicholson's 1997 coming-of-age novel of the same title. Directors Emmett and Brendan Malloy have creatively brought Nicholson's book to life, focusing on the turbulent life of the upper-middle-class Mason family. Set in the sun-soaked Palos Verdes, they use the stunning backdrop to ironically reflect the turbulence that hits the Mason house. Palos Verdes, known for its wealth and beauty, becomes the personification of a 'paradise lost' as the family's initial idyllic dreams are replaced by tragedies and strained relationships. The endless Pacific Ocean and the countless surfing scenes serve a symbolic function, depicting both Medina's escape route and the isolation surrounding the family.

As the family's life-affecting tribulations unfold, Medina turns to surfing as a form of escape from her seemingly perfect yet disturbed home. Surfing is a crucial symbolic representation throughout the movie. The ocean's grandeur and turbulence are metaphoric parallels to Medina's life - offering her both an escape from and a mirror of her issues, forcing her into self-discovery and maturity.

The thoughtful cinematography and astute set designs of The Tribes of Palos Verdes cannot go unnoticed as they breathe life into the film, showcasing the contrasting images of the beautiful coastal town and the turmoil within the Mason house. The film is marked with several contemplative moments, mostly portrayed through scenes of Medina surfing alone in the ocean. These moments, paired with the phenomenal visual graphics and the painstakingly crafted emotions, tell as much about the story as the dialogues themselves.

Despite its heavy lean into family drama, The Tribes of Palos Verdes also gives a keen societal critique. Through the Mason family, the story paints a portrait of the toxic perfectionist culture that underlies well-to-do societies, the cost of maintaining appearances, and the resultant impacts on mental health.

Aaron and Bryce Dessner, musicians from the rock band "The National," provide the atmospheric score, which amplifies the emotional intensity of the cinematic narrative. It is filled with somber tones that mirror the tribulations occurring within the Mason family, contributing to the overall moody and contemplative tone of the film.

The Tribes of Palos Verdes is a keen exploration of family dysfunction, adolescent resilience, emotional struggle, and societal critique. It presents a moving narrative of a shattered family, underpinned by strong performances and intricate attention to detail, leaving the audience with an impactful and thought-provoking viewing experience.