The film The Kids Are All Right brings into light the choices that people undergo in order to start families. Studies reveal that in real life, most of these choices are often unexamined because couples generally establish relationships, settle and start having children (Clunis and Green 45). Similarly, in this film, activities move fast throwing choices into intense and sharp relief. The main contention is the affair between Jules and Paul where the latter begin appearing less sympathetic, less comic and is driven by selfish interests. I find the affair to be quite problematic because he appears more parasitic in nature and is not emotionally driven to the institution of family. Paul is not ready for fatherhood despite helping in siring children for the couple; he definitely looks like a poignant individual without clear intentions. Paul is unable to revert to his former life and at the same time cannot be easily absorbed into this family.
In respect to Jules, the relationship with Paul is emotionally intimate and is sexually driven. This supports that the assertion that lesbians may feel attracted to men especially for Jules who is portrayed as a wife in the film. The fact that Jules possess feminine characteristics makes her attracted to Paul whose sperm was used to sire her child. This problematic association is accelerated when Joni, one of children secretly makes contact with Paul, their biological father. To a great extent, closeness of Jules and Paul is not taken positively by Nic who is overwhelmed with jealousy, characteristic of relationships. However, the kids come in to strengthen the family bond where each parent tends to be closely bonded to her own biological child. It is worth noting that Paul creates tension in the relationship and physical intimacy of the couple appears to diminish.
Work Cited
Clunis, D. M, and Green G. D. Lesbian Couples: A Guide to Creating Healthy Relationships.
Emeryville, CA: Seal Press, 2004. Print.