Okay, pull up a comfy chair, maybe pour yourself something relaxing. Let's talk about a film that might have slipped through the cracks of your memory banks, nestled somewhere between the big action blockbusters and the teen comedies on the video store shelf. Remember Joel Schumacher’s Cousins from 1989? It arrived with less fanfare than some of its contemporaries, yet watching it again now reveals a surprisingly gentle and nuanced exploration of connection found in the most awkward of places: tangled family ties.
It doesn't grab you with explosions or high-concept sci-fi. Instead, Cousins works its magic through atmosphere, a kind of bittersweet melancholy mixed with the burgeoning warmth of an unexpected bond. It’s a film that understands the simmering undercurrents present at large family gatherings – the forced smiles, the hidden resentments, and sometimes, the spark of genuine understanding with someone you barely know, yet feel instantly drawn to.
A Wedding, A Funeral, and Everything In Between
The setup is classic dramedy: two people, Larry (Ted Danson, right in his Cheers prime but showcasing a more grounded charm) and Maria (Isabella Rossellini, bringing an incredible warmth and quiet intelligence), discover their respective spouses (played with brittle energy by Sean Young and a suitably caddish William Petersen) are having an affair. This mutual betrayal happens amidst the sprawling, chaotic backdrop of weddings, funerals, and parties – events that force Larry and Maria into repeated proximity. What begins as commiseration, a shared glance of understanding across a crowded room, gradually deepens into something more profound.
Schumacher, often associated with more stylistic or high-octane fare like The Lost Boys (1987) or Flatliners (1990), directs here with a surprisingly restrained hand. He lets the characters breathe, focusing on the small moments, the hesitant touches, the conversations filled with unspoken meaning. The film beautifully captures the Pacific Northwest setting (Vancouver convincingly standing in for parts of Washington state), using the misty landscapes and waterfronts to underscore the emotional fog and eventual clarity the characters experience.
The Heart of the Matter: Danson and Rossellini
The absolute core of why Cousins resonates lies in the performances of its leads. Ted Danson, known for playing the charming rogue Sam Malone, dials it back here. His Larry is a dance teacher, a bit whimsical, deeply decent, and genuinely wounded by his wife's infidelity. Danson plays him with an easy-going vulnerability that feels incredibly authentic. You believe his kindness and his growing, almost hesitant, affection for Maria.
And Isabella Rossellini... she is simply luminous. Following darker, more complex roles like in David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1986), her Maria is a beacon of quiet strength and grace. The daughter of an Italian mother (Norma Aleandro, wonderful) and married into a boisterous family, Maria navigates her situation with dignity and a searching intelligence. Rossellini conveys entire volumes with just a look or a subtle shift in posture. Her chemistry with Danson isn't fiery or explosive; it's a slow burn, built on mutual respect, shared humor, and the undeniable comfort they find in each other's company. It feels real, earned, and deeply touching. Doesn't that kind of quiet connection feel rare in films today?
Remake Reality and Retro Charm
It's worth remembering that Cousins is an American remake of the successful 1975 French film Cousin cousine. While remakes can often feel like pale imitations, Stephen Metcalfe's screenplay (adapting the original by Jean Charles Tacchella and Danièle Thompson) manages to capture the spirit while giving it a distinctly American, late-80s feel. The film navigates the potentially thorny subject of infidelity and emotional connection outside of marriage with a surprising lack of judgment, focusing instead on the humanity of the characters and their search for genuine partnership.
And let's not forget the supporting cast! The late, great Lloyd Bridges brings his trademark energy as Larry's freewheeling, remarried father, offering moments of comedic relief and surprising wisdom. The family dynamics feel lived-in, messy, and relatable – a far cry from the often-sanitized families presented in sitcoms of the era. I recall renting this on VHS, perhaps drawn in by Danson's familiar face, and being pleasantly surprised by its depth and emotional honesty. It felt... adult, in a way that wasn't cynical but rather acknowledged the complexities of life and love.
The film wasn't a massive blockbuster – earning around $22 million against a $13 million budget – but it found its audience, those who appreciated its gentler pace and focus on character over plot pyrotechnics. Watching it now, there's a certain warmth to its late-80s aesthetic, the slightly oversized clothing, the music, the way relationships unfold before the omnipresence of cell phones and social media. It captures a specific moment in time, both cinematically and culturally.
Final Thoughts
Cousins isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It's a character-driven romantic dramedy that succeeds because of its sincerity, its refusal to offer easy answers, and the undeniable spark between its two leads. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, family obligation, and the courage it takes to pursue happiness, even when it deviates from the expected path. It’s a film that asks us to consider what truly connects us to another person. Is it obligation, shared history, or something quieter, deeper, and perhaps, unexpected?
Rating: 7.5/10
This score reflects a genuinely charming and well-acted film that offers more emotional depth than many romantic comedies of its time. The central performances are outstanding, elevating the familiar premise. While perhaps not groundbreaking cinema, its warmth, intelligence, and authentic portrayal of burgeoning connection make it a truly worthwhile revisit from the VHS era. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the most meaningful connections blossom in the unlikeliest of gardens.