The Squid and the Whale (2005)

The Squid and the Whale poster

"Joint custody blows."

Movie · 2005 · 1h 21m · Released · Rated R · Comedy, Drama

Synopsis

Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980s.

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Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

  • Jeff Daniels as Bernard Berkman
  • Laura Linney as Joan Berkman
  • Jesse Eisenberg as Walt Berkman
  • Owen Kline as Frank Berkman
  • William Baldwin as Ivan
  • Halley Feiffer as Sophie Greenberg
  • Anna Paquin as Lili
  • David Benger as Carl
  • Molly Barton as Graduate Student
  • Bo Berkman as Graduate Student

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BingeNext's take

If you're in the mood for a heartfelt film that mixes comedy and drama with a real sense of place, The Squid and the Whale is a great pick. Set in 1980s Brooklyn, it follows two young boys navigating the tricky emotions of their parents' divorce, based on the writer-director Noah Baumbach's own childhood. The performances from Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, and a young Jesse Eisenberg bring a genuine warmth and complexity to the story, making it feel both personal and relatable. At just 81 minutes, it's a compact yet powerful look at family dynamics that doesn't overstay its welcome. This film is perfect for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories that balance humor with emotional depth, and it leaves you thinking about the messy, beautiful realities of growing up.

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