Based on the memoir of the real life Augustan Burroughs, this film adaptation tells of Burroughs' unusual journey through adolescence. As if that isn't enough he must deal with his neurotic wannabe poet mother (Bening) who decides he would profit from living with her therapist while she sorts through her own personal issues. Augustan (Cross) is introduced to a household that is anything be ordinary. A mother who enjoys snacking on dog kibble, a daughter who has an unhealthy attachment to a cat named Freud, and finally the therapist himself who finds premonitions coming from his toilet (Cox). Augustan also befriends the younger daughter (Wood) who seems to be the only one who has their head screwed on correctly.
From the get-go you can tell this story is far from conventional, however director Ryan Murphy fails to bottle-up any consistent thread of drama or comedy, which makes the film really disjointed and cold. There are actually some poignant moments but they are overshadowed by the shock-value of certain scenes, which Murphy seems more interested in. It's rather unfortunate because there are some great performances here from Bening, Cox, Cross, and Joseph Fiennes, who plays the adopted son who lives in a shack in the back of the house.
From the get-go you can tell this story is far from conventional, however director Ryan Murphy fails to bottle-up any consistent thread of drama or comedy, which makes the film really disjointed and cold. There are actually some poignant moments but they are overshadowed by the shock-value of certain scenes, which Murphy seems more interested in. It's rather unfortunate because there are some great performances here from Bening, Cox, Cross, and Joseph Fiennes, who plays the adopted son who lives in a shack in the back of the house.