Tangles

Directed by Leah Nelson, Tangles follows a twentysomething artist (Abbi Jacobson’s Sarah) as she’s forced to confront her vibrant mother’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Midge) Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Filmmaker Nelson, armed with a screenplay written alongside Sarah Leavitt and Trev Renney, delivers an erratically-paced yet mostly rewarding drama that grows more and more compelling as it unfolds, as the somewhat overlong running time admittedly does result in a first half and midsection littered with regrettable lulls – although the unique animation and strong voice performances keep things interesting throughout. It’s clear, then, that Tangles benefits from an increased emphasis on heartwrenching, emotionally-affecting moments and interludes, with this especially true of a very strong scene wherein Sarah’s father (Bryan Cranston, offering up some seriously good work here) finally breaks down. By the time the tearful yet upbeat finale rolls around, Tangles has cemented its place as a stirring endeavor that could probably use some streamlining.

**1/2 out of ****