Tribeca Film Festival 2022: SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS

At this year’s 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, the hits just keep on coming. This time, from the directorial debut of Ray Romano‘s Somewhere in Queens, a film far from unique in its premise but with enough heart and humor to win the devotion of any viewer. Resonating the feeling of both Silver Linings Playbook and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Somewhere in Queens looks at the heart of a family, both intimate and extended, and the overwhelming need to be loved and to be noticed. A film that will find its success early on from word of mouth, this hilarious and wholesome film is a guaranteed good time.

The Premise

Somewhere in Queens opens on a wedding, the videographer capturing a montage of hilarious and overwhelmingly Italian good wishes to the newlyweds. Somewhere in Queens knows what kind of film it wants to be early on, shedding the need to slowly engage its audience, utilizing humor and heart immediately within its framework. It also establishes the family structure that will surround the Russo family. A vast Italian family, there are parties every weekend and expectations for each to live up to. The camera finally settles on its primary focus within the Russo family, jabs abounding, the lens focusing on Leo (Ray Romano) and his son Sticks (Jacob Ward). There is an immediate understanding of how the family views both of these characters, Leo never expected to succeed – even with a simple wedding video wish – and Sticks is far from the man the family perceives he should be.

As the wedding comes to an end, Somewhere in Queens transitions to the following morning, the interactions of husband and wife quickly turn to the relationship between father, brother, and son. As viewers learn, Leo works for his family business, out succeeded by his brother (Sebastian Maniscalco), and never truly matches the approval of his father. Where the opening establishes this sense of family expectation and perspective of Leo in the casual setting of a wedding, it is reinforced and solidified as it once again presents itself in a business setting. Somewhere in Queens is uninterested in why this dynamic exists, rather leaning into it and growing the current story it wants to tell. It’s almost as though we, the audience, have become intruders, entering into a moment, navigating what has existed for some time. This is especially true as we start to understand Leo’s wife, Angela (Laurie Metcalfe).

The pace of Somewhere in Queens is impeccable, keeping the narrative moving, weaving into various elements of the Russo family’s life, and setting the extended culture that delivers the film’s credibility and authenticity. Keeping with this pace, the film moves to Stick’s high school, the last game of the season an event not to be missed. As the crowd roots on Sticks, and subsequently his father, the bonds of family are deeply invested. Yet, as with all families, outside forces will always find their way in. For Somewhere in Queens, these outside forces come from a talent scout and an unknown girlfriend – both delivering new challenges to the Russo family.

A Known Story that still makes you feel

By the middle of Somewhere in Queens, there are elements that lend themselves as predictable and overdone. This is a story that has been told before. Yet, the lack of originality in the film is easy to forgive due to the humor and heart at its very core. This is a film first and foremost about family, and it never losses focus on that. Its pace also keeps the story rolling, allowing you to feel every element of emotion it has to deliver, while never giving the audience the chance to truly focus on the retelling of a classic Hollywood tale.

Ray Romano and Mark Stegemann deliver an incredible script that not only captures the core of the family but gives its story breadth and warmth. Many elements of Somewhere in Queens had the potential to feel heavy and out of place within the film, yet Romano and Stegemann keep it light and airy through its constant infusion of humor and strength in their direction from start to finish. Yet, while the script gives the perfect foundation, the cast delivers. The dynamic between each cast member is brilliant, delivering authenticity to each moment and interaction. And even with its predictability, each line is delivered with commitment, humor, and understanding of the story that is being told. Romano delivers as a triple threat, compounding his script with incredible direction and commitment to the role. Metcalf too is incredible, her performance transcending dialogue and encompassing the hidden emotions that are buried just below the surface both vocally and non-verbally. When she moves, every movement is with intention.

Conclusion

Somewhere in Queens by far has become one of my favorite films at this year’s 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. As soon as my screening had ended, there was a slew of people I knew that had to see this film. It may not be the most unique story on the block, but Somewhere in Queens has the heart, the humor, and the deeply set focus on family to make it an undeniable success.

Have you seen Somewhere in Queens? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Somewhere in Queens premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2022!

Watch Somewhere in Queens