In an exclusive interview, we take a closer look at “My Freaky Family,” a children’s film that attempts to merge the whimsical chaos of a magical setting with the life of an unremarkable girl. However, it seems that the film struggles to maintain its comedic charm and imaginative flair.
Luke Buckmaster shares his thoughts on the movie, stating, “The film revolves around Betty Flood, a girl who feels out of place despite being surrounded by her magical family. Voiced by Evanna Lynch, Betty finds herself in a quirky household reminiscent of the Addams Family and The Munsters, yet she lacks any supernatural abilities, apart from her extraordinary violin skills.”
Buckmaster goes on to describe a pivotal moment in the film where Betty’s choice to play a forbidden song leads to unexpected consequences, attracting dark forces from a fantastical realm filled with goblins and sorcerers. “This world is accessed via a bizarre ‘worm train’ that features teeth and a shocking, elongated tongue,” he explains.
Throughout its 86-minute runtime, Buckmaster notes a lack of engagement. “The film’s initial energy quickly fades as the plot veers into confusion, populated by characters that feel underdeveloped. I found myself wrestling with thoughts like ‘Huh?’ and ‘What the hell?’ as I strived to follow the storyline,” he adds.
The film kicks off in a snowy wilderness with Betty’s parents, Aneska and Nerlin, portrayed by Miranda Otto and Ardal O’Hanlon. Their escape from enemies with laser weapons intertwines humor and action, leaving audiences puzzled by odd moments, such as Aneska’s sentient hat. Buckmaster comments, “The absurdity peaks when they shift from an intense chase to a lighthearted discussion about naming their child.”
As the story advances, we meet a twelve-year-old Betty who feels exasperatingly ordinary amongst her eccentric siblings. Her quest to rescue her family unfolds in a magical land, tied to her grandfather, King Murkhart—a character who embodies villainy, despising Nerlin and longing to reclaim Aneska.
While Buckmaster initially finds the film’s quirky elements somewhat charming, he acknowledges a shift. “About halfway through, as the film delves into its backstory involving an ancient conflict over magic and music, I couldn’t help but feel it lost its grip. It’s hard to believe anyone, of any age, will remain engaged,” he remarks.
In conclusion, Buckmaster reflects on the film’s inability to recover, ultimately becoming overly sentimental. “The dialogue reaches a level that feels almost cringeworthy, leaving audiences wondering about its appeal,” he concludes, adding that “My Freaky Family” debuted in Australian cinemas with mixed sentiments surrounding its ambitious, yet erratic, narrative.
