Name: The Price of Family
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2022-12-19T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Christian De Sica, Angela Finocchiaro, Dharma Mangia Woods, Claudio Colica, Iaia Forte

The moment Carlo Delle Fave (Christian De Sica) pulls out a fake inheritance letter, you know The Price of Family isn’t playing by the rules. Directed by Giovanni Bognetti, this 2022 Italian comedy takes the classic “family reunion gone wrong” trope and cranks up the absurdity with a lie that spirals into chaos. Based on the French film Price of Parenting, it’s a remake that leans hard into its comedic potential, but not always successfully.

The premise is simple: Carlo and Anna (Angela Finocchiaro) fake an inheritance to lure their estranged children back home for Christmas. What follows is a series of escalating lies, expensive gifts, and near-bankruptcy antics. The film’s strength lies in its commitment to the bit. De Sica and Finocchiaro are a delight as the scheming parents, their chemistry palpable even as they spin increasingly ridiculous tales. A standout scene is Carlo’s panicked confession to his son Emilio (Claudio Colica), where De Sica’s physical comedy—clumsy attempts at destruction of evidence, wild-eyed desperation—elevates what could have been a straightforward reveal.

Yet, the film stumbles when it tries to balance humor with heart. The third act’s emotional reckoning feels rushed, undercut by the very lies that propelled the plot forward. Giuliana (Fioretta Mari), the grandmother who suddenly becomes the voice of reason, is introduced too late to feel organic. Her monologue about family and selfishness lands with a thud, lacking the buildup needed for genuine resonance.

The performances are a mixed bag. Dharma Mangia Woods as Alessandra and Colica as Emilio lack the nuance to make their characters’ selfishness truly compelling. They’re more caricatures than fully realized people, which makes the film’s attempted emotional payoff fall flat. Even Francesco Marioni as Rocco, Alessandra’s partner, feels one-dimensional, existing only to be the catalyst for her return home.

Structurally, The Price of Family suffers from pacing issues. The first half is a whirlwind of lies and laughter, but the second half drags as it tries to untangle the web of deceit. The film’s climax—a video call reveal that feels more like a contrived plot device than a natural progression—highlights its reliance on convenience over credibility.

That said, Bognetti deserves credit for taking risks. The film’s willingness to push boundaries—questionable behavior from all characters, significant language, and adult themes—sets it apart from typical family comedies. It’s not afraid to get messy, even if that messiness sometimes feels unfocused.

In the end, The Price of Family is a flawed but entertaining ride.