Parenthood (1989)

Released in 1989, Parenthood is a comedy-drama that manages the rare feat of being both sharply observational and warmly human. Directed by Ron Howard and based on a story developed with screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, the film explores the messy, imperfect, and profoundly emotional world of raising children—and being raised in turn—across multiple generations of one extended family.

With its ensemble cast and multi-threaded narrative, Parenthood is not only one of the most grounded and emotionally honest films about family life ever put on screen, but also a harbinger of a genre that would blossom in films and TV series over the next several decades. It helped redefine what a mainstream studio comedy could be—more than just laughs, it delivered truth, heartache, and healing.

Plot Overview

Parenthood centres on the Buckman family, a sprawling Midwestern clan dealing with the trials of parenting and growing up. At the core is Gil Buckman (Steve Martin), a stressed-out but devoted father of three, struggling to balance career demands with the emotional needs of his kids—particularly his anxious eldest son, Kevin.

Gil’s story intersects with the lives of his three siblings:

Helen (Dianne Wiest), a divorced single mother of two—rebellious teenager Julie (Martha Plimpton) and introverted Garry (Joaquin Phoenix). Helen grapples with loneliness, her daughter’s sexual awakening, and her son's withdrawal.

Susan (Harley Jane Kozak), married to the overbearing and academically obsessed Nathan (Rick Moranis), who wants to raise their daughter as a child prodigy, much to Susan’s growing frustration.

Larry (Tom Hulce), the family’s irresponsible youngest son, who returns home with a surprise child of his own and leans heavily on their father Frank Buckman (Jason Robards) for support.

Each storyline presents a different facet of parenthood—its fears, absurdities, failures, and unexpected joys—woven together by themes of generational tension, unmet expectations, and unconditional love.

Performances

Steve Martin, often known for broader comedic roles, gives one of his most heartfelt and grounded performances as Gil. He embodies the neurotic everyman with genuine vulnerability, navigating a rollercoaster of emotions—from parental panic attacks to moments of profound joy. His comic timing is as sharp as ever, but here it’s anchored in character rather than caricature.

Dianne Wiest is a standout as Helen, a woman stretched to the limit by single motherhood. She radiates both toughness and heartbreak, creating a portrait of maternal resilience that earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her scenes with a young Joaquin Phoenix (credited as Leaf Phoenix) are particularly moving, depicting the aching silence of an adolescent boy lost in a storm of emotion.

Rick Moranis plays against type as Nathan, an uptight, well-meaning father whose obsession with turning his daughter into a genius alienates his wife. His dynamic with Harley Jane Kozak’s Susan offers a satirical but sincere take on modern parenting trends.

Jason Robards delivers a deeply affecting performance as Frank, the Buckman patriarch. Once stern and emotionally distant, Frank is forced to confront the failings of his own parenting as he sees echoes of himself in his irresponsible son Larry. His quiet, late-in-life growth is one of the film’s most poignant arcs.

Supporting players like Keanu Reeves as Julie’s sensitive and surprisingly wise boyfriend Todd, and Martha Plimpton as the headstrong daughter, add texture and credibility to the ensemble. Reeves, in particular, surprises with a performance full of earnest, low-key insight.

Direction and Tone

Ron Howard handles the sprawling narrative with remarkable finesse. The film juggles numerous characters and emotional tones—comedy, pathos, satire, sentimentality—without ever feeling disjointed or heavy-handed. Howard creates a world that feels real, lived-in, and instantly recognizable to anyone who's ever been part of a family.

What elevates Parenthood is its refusal to offer easy answers. There’s no perfect way to raise a child, no blueprint for family harmony. The film embraces ambiguity—some things improve, some don’t, and life keeps moving forward. Its honest tone was unusual for a Hollywood studio film at the time and remains refreshing today.

Themes and Analysis

The Chaos and Comedy of Raising Children

From birthday party disasters to therapy sessions, the film finds humour in the daily insanity of parenting. But it never treats children as punchlines—they’re individuals with complex needs and emotions, and the adults often struggle to keep up.

Intergenerational Trauma and Growth

A central theme is how patterns of behaviour and emotional wounds pass from parent to child. Frank’s emotional distance has left its mark on his children, especially Larry. Yet by confronting his own flaws, Frank takes a tentative step toward healing the next generation.

The Myth of the “Perfect Parent”

Every character believes, at some point, that they’re failing as a parent. The film’s ultimate message is that no one gets it exactly right—and that’s okay. Love, presence, and a willingness to adapt matter more than perfection.

Adolescence and Identity

Helen’s children represent two ends of the adolescent spectrum: Julie, rebellious and eager to break free, and Garry, inward and overwhelmed. Their stories reflect how parenting teens requires not just rules, but understanding and grace.

Cinematography and Music

The visual style of Parenthood is warm and naturalistic, befitting its suburban setting. Cinematographer Donald McAlpine keeps things simple, letting the performances take centre stage. The use of long takes and ensemble blocking reinforces the interconnectedness of the family.

Randy Newman’s whimsical and emotionally resonant score adds depth and cohesion to the film. His opening theme, “I Love to See You Smile,” sets the tone: hopeful, a little bittersweet, and full of heart.

Reception and Legacy

Parenthood was a critical and commercial success upon its release, grossing over $126 million worldwide and earning two Academy Award nominations (Best Supporting Actress for Dianne Wiest and Best Original Song for Newman).

Its influence has only grown over time. The film inspired a short-lived TV series in 1990 and a far more successful NBC reboot from 2010–2015, which updated the characters and storylines for a new generation while retaining the original’s emotional DNA.

More broadly, Parenthood helped legitimize the family dramedy as a genre and set the tone for films like The Family Stone, Little Miss Sunshine, and This Is Where I Leave You, as well as shows like This Is Us.

Parenthood is an enduring classic of ensemble storytelling—funny, heart-breaking, and rich in insight. With standout performances, a deeply human script, and Ron Howard’s steady hand at the helm, it captures the highs and lows of family life with rare empathy and humour.

It doesn't offer fairy-tale resolutions or flawless role models, and that’s precisely what makes it so resonant. Whether you're a parent, a child, or both, Parenthood speaks to the universal truth that family is messy, challenging—and worth every minute.