Sarah Leavitt's 'Tangles' transitions her autobiographical graphic novel into an animated feature, capturing her mother's battle with Alzheimer's. Co-written by Leavitt and directed by Leah Nelson, the film retains its original narrative and visual style.
Voice Cast and Premiere
Featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Abbi Jacobson, and Bryan Cranston, 'Tangles' premiered in Cannes' Special Screenings. Seth Rogen also makes a cameo. The film's exploration of Leavitt's queer identity is a key theme, with a subplot of a lesbian romance offering contrast to the unfolding family tragedy.
Setting and Animation
The story shifts from Vancouver to the U.S., with Sarah (voiced by Jacobson) navigating life between Maine and San Francisco in 1999. The animation reflects her artistic style, blending monochrome with vibrant colors to highlight emotions and memories. Art director Manddy Wyckens captures the hand-drawn essence of Leavitt's work.
Family Dynamics and Diagnosis
In San Francisco, Sarah thrives in the queer community and forms a relationship with Donimo (Samira Wiley). Trips to Maine reveal her mother Midge's (Louis-Dreyfus) early signs of Alzheimer's, initially dismissed by her father Rob (Cranston) as stress. A trip to Mexico confirms the diagnosis, setting the stage for the family's emotional journey.
Emotional Impact
'Tangles' navigates the impact of Alzheimer's on Midge and her family, capturing the disease's erosion of personality and memory. Louis-Dreyfus's portrayal of Midge showcases the character's transformation from a vibrant protector to a fragile figure. Despite the sorrow, the film balances humor and warmth, illustrating the family's adaptation and resilience.
Sarah's mental health reflects the film's tone, alternating between absurdism and clarity. 'Tangles' sensitively portrays dementia's challenges, emphasizing fleeting moments of connection amidst the struggle.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/tangles-review-1236745544/
