The Conception of an Unconventional Family Portrait

“Ideal Home” was both written and directed by Andrew Fleming, a filmmaker with a diverse background that includes directing comedies like “Dick” and “Hamlet 2,” as well as episodes of popular television series. This project appears to be a more personal endeavor for Fleming, exploring themes of family, commitment, and the challenging yet rewarding experience of raising a child from an unconventional perspective. The film’s journey to the screen involved securing a respectable estimated budget of $10 million, which, while not blockbuster level, allowed for a certain degree of production value.

Principal photography for the film commenced in May 2016, taking place in the picturesque setting of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The choice of location likely contributed to the film’s visual aesthetic, offering a vibrant backdrop for the characters’ evolving lives. The film premiered at the Mardi Gras Film Festival in February 2018, an appropriate venue given its central characters and themes. It later received a day-and-date theatrical and VOD release in the United States on June 29, 2018, a common distribution strategy for independent films seeking to maximize their reach across different platforms. The acquisition of distribution rights by companies like Remstar Films in Canada and Brainstorm Media in the U.S. facilitated its release to audiences.

A Full House: Plot and Character Dynamics

The narrative of “Ideal Home” centers on Erasmus (Steve Coogan) and Paul (Paul Rudd), a long-term gay couple living a life of comfortable domesticity and artistic pursuits in Santa Fe. Erasmus is a renowned and somewhat flamboyant celebrity chef, while Paul serves as the producer of his cooking show. Their seemingly settled lives are thrown into delightful disarray with the unexpected arrival of a ten-year-old boy named Bill (Jack Gore), who claims to be Erasmus’s grandson.

This sudden introduction to parenthood forces Erasmus and Paul to confront their routines, their relationship dynamics, and their preconceived notions of what constitutes a family. The film follows their often-hilarious attempts to adapt to having a child in their home, navigating the challenges of school, playdates, and the general chaos that a ten-year-old can bring. The plot also involves interactions with Bill’s father, adding another layer of complexity to the burgeoning family unit.

The core of the film lies in the evolving relationship between Erasmus, Paul, and Bill. As they spend time together, they begin to form an unlikely bond, teaching each other valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and responsibility. The film explores themes of chosen family, highlighting that familial connections are not solely defined by blood ties but by love and commitment. While the film is primarily a comedy, it also delves into more dramatic territory, touching upon the challenges faced by unconventional families and the prejudices they might encounter.

The Chemistry of Coogan and Rudd: Cast Performances

The casting of Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd as the central couple is undoubtedly one of “Ideal Home”‘s greatest strengths. Both actors are seasoned comedians with excellent timing and a natural rapport that makes their on-screen chemistry believable and entertaining. Coogan’s portrayal of the theatrical and somewhat self-absorbed Erasmus is balanced by Rudd’s more grounded and often exasperated Paul. Their dynamic provides much of the film’s comedic fodder and emotional resonance.

Young actor Jack Gore delivers a commendable performance as Bill, holding his own alongside the more experienced Coogan and Rudd. His portrayal of a child navigating a difficult family situation while adapting to a new and unconventional environment is both sensitive and authentic. The supporting cast, including Alison Pill, Jake McDorman, Jesse Luken, and Veronica Cartwright, contribute effectively to the film’s comedic and dramatic elements. Critic reviews often highlighted the strong performances of Coogan and Rudd, noting their chemistry as a key factor in the film’s appeal.

Framing the Family: Cinematography and Visuals

Filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, “Ideal Home” benefits from the visually appealing backdrop of the American Southwest. The cinematography likely captures the beauty of the region, contrasting the vibrant outdoor landscapes with the more contained and often chaotic indoor environments of Erasmus and Paul’s home. While specific details about the cinematography are not extensively discussed in the provided information, a budget of $10 million would allow for a certain level of visual polish and production design.

The film’s aspect ratio of 2.35:1 suggests a widescreen presentation, which would lend itself well to capturing both the expansive New Mexico scenery and the dynamics within the characters’ home. The visual style likely supports the film’s comedic and dramatic tones, shifting between brighter, more lively scenes and moments of emotional vulnerability.

Critical Perspectives and Audience Reception

Critical reception for “Ideal Home” was generally favorable, though not overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a “Rotten” score of 54% based on a moderate number of critic reviews, but it has a higher audience score of 68%, indicating a more positive reception from general viewers. Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 62 out of 100 based on 10 critics, falling into the “generally favorable reviews” category.

Critic reviews summarized on IMDb offer a range of opinions. Some praised the sharp writing, satirical elements, and the chemistry between Coogan and Rudd, describing their performances as amusing and memorable. Others found the film too cartoonish or felt the sentimentality was jarring. Publications like TheWrap, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and The New York Times offered positive takes, while Variety and Slant Magazine were more critical.

Audience reception, as seen in IMDb user reviews and reflected in the higher Rotten Tomatoes audience score, appears to be more consistently positive. Users often describe the film as funny, heartwarming, and sweet, praising the lead actors’ comedic timing and the film’s emotional depth. While some user reviews found the characters stereotypical or the plot predictable, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for the film’s humor and its positive portrayal of an LGBTQ+ family. The film’s popularity seems to stem from its engaging premise, the star power of its leads, and its ability to resonate with audiences seeking a feel-good comedy-drama with a modern twist.

Box Office and Popularity: A Modest Reach

As an independent film with a day-and-date release, “Ideal Home”‘s box office performance was modest. With an estimated budget of $10 million, its worldwide gross of $147,784 is relatively low in comparison to major studio productions. This is typical for many independent films that rely more heavily on VOD and streaming revenue.

The film’s popularity is likely driven more by its availability on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and the appeal of its lead actors than by its theatrical run. Its reception at film festivals and its positive audience reviews on various platforms contribute to its visibility and popularity within its target demographic. While it may not have been a box office hit, “Ideal Home” has found its audience and has been appreciated for its humor and heartwarming story.

Final Thoughts: A Warm and Witty Take on Family

“Ideal Home” is a charming and often very funny film that benefits immensely from the comedic talents and palpable chemistry of Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd. While some critics found fault with its tonal balance or perceived clichés, the film successfully delivers a heartwarming story about the unexpected ways in which families are formed and the love that can blossom in unconventional circumstances. It’s a film that embraces its premise with enthusiasm and offers a refreshing portrayal of an LGBTQ+ couple navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. For viewers seeking a witty, feel-good comedy-drama with strong performances and a positive message about family, “Ideal Home” is a welcoming place to visit.