The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One FamilyPlay 2: What Did You Expect?

In The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One FamilyPlay 2: What Did You Expect?, acclaimed playwright and director Richard Nelson brings to life the poignant story of an ordinary American family, the Gabriels, during a tumultuous election year. The play-turned-film, which was originally staged in New York in September 2016, was released as a motion picture in 2017.

The 2017 movie revolves around the members of the Gabriel family who reside in a small town of Rhinebeck, New York. The film captures the essence of a warm, middle-class American family trying to navigate life, relationships, and politics against the backdrop of the emotional, unpredictable presidential race of 2016.

The film features the superb acting talents of Meg Gibson, Lynn Hawley, and Roberta Maxwell. Each of these seasoned actors brings a distinctively human dimension to the three integral characters of this thought-provoking family drama.

Meg Gibson plays the role of Karin Gabriel, the sister-in-law, recently widowed, she carries a sadness that resonates throughout the house. Struggling with her loss, she undergoes a personal journey to find her individuality even while trying to play a supportive role to her family.

Lynn Hawley takes on the role of Hannah Gabriel, Karin's sister-in-law. An inherently strong woman, Hannah seems to keep the family together with her practicality while navigating through complexities of her personal life which includes a separation from her husband.

Roberta Maxwell portrays the matriarch of the family, Patricia Gabriel. Engaging and warm, Patricia's character allows viewers a glimpse into the inter-generational clashes and compromises, while she grapples with aging and her deteriorating health condition.

Adding to this cocktail of intriguing characters is Joel Watson and Joyce Gabriel. As the film delves deep into the lives of each individual within the family, it presents a series of scenes where everyday conversations and activities become significant, reflecting the real-world problems, aspirations, fears, and hope.

The name of the movie, "What Did You Expect?", itself poses a question that echoes throughout various perspectives and situations in the film. As the audience witnesses the family's group dynamics, personal aspirations, and struggles, the name reiterates the idea of expectations versus reality, both in personal life and politics.

The beauty of The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One FamilyPlay 2: What Did You Expect? lies in its utter simplicity. The film doesn't rely on extravagant sets, high-profile glamourous actors, or jittery action sequences. Instead, it captures the drama of ordinary lives, their triumphs and tribulations, against a backdrop of a significant time in American political history.

The film brilliantly employs the 2016 election period to illustrate the impact of external socio-political events on households. However, the actual political event serves as a mere backdrop and never overpowers the individual narratives and inter-personal relationships at the core of the movie.

What Did You Expect? offers heartfelt performances by the lead actors who convincingly enact the dilemmas, dreams, and disappointments of their respective characters. The narrative explores the complexities of familial relationships, the many shades of love - interspersed with humor, empathy, and arguments - that intimately bind family members and their intricate lives.

The dialogue is both absorbing and immersive, creating a palpable sense of authenticity. Each conversation feels real and reflective of the all-encompassing political environment of the time. The narrative perfectly captures the seamless weave of politics and family life, amplifying how world events seep into our personal spaces.

Richard Nelson's directorial acumen shines through as he deftly guides the narrative to showcase the characteristics of each member and their collective role within the family. Nelson helps viewers appreciate and empathize with the characters' efforts to understand and negotiate an ever-changing world, reflecting how we all grapple with times of intense change.

In conclusion, The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One FamilyPlay 2: What Did You Expect? is a quiet, thoughtful exploration of an American family's personal and political navigation in an election year. It serves as a window into the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary times, making it a relevant and resonant viewing experience, particularly within the context of contemporary socio-political dynamics.