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Introducing the Dwights is a coming of age story that (thankfully) doesn't play coy with issues of sexuality. The film, from Australian director Cherie Nowlan, doesn't always move smoothly (it has a tendency to jump around a little, especially in the early going) and it avoids overt heartstring tweaking. It's about a young man whose identity has been shaped and his manhood emasculated by this toxic mother, and how finding someone new to care about gives him the strength to cut the apron strings. While the material may not be new, its handling is fresh and honest and the lead performances are top notch.
Tim (Khan Chittenden) is facing approaching adulthood with more resignation than hope. His mother, Jean (Brenda Blethyn), is still chasing her dreams of stardom by performing her act as a standup comedian in clubs and bars where the disinterested patrons outnumber those who are paying attention. Tim is Jean's driver and assistant; he has nearly as many hopes riding on Jean's success as she does. Jean has another son, Mark (Richard Wilson), who is mentally diminished as a result of a brain injury he received at birth.
© James Berardinelli
