If you’re drawn to films that explore the raw complexities of family life, See You Next Tuesday (2013) offers a brutally honest, yet darkly comedic dive into the messy intersections of addiction, trauma, and human frailty. Directed by Drew Tobia, this indie gem eschews sentimentality, presenting a portrait of familial dysfunction that feels as unsettling as it is weirdly heartwarming.
A Portrayal of Dysfunctional Family Life
At its core, See You Next Tuesday follows Mona (Eleanore Pienta), a very pregnant and generally volatile grocery store clerk whose life is a chaotic blend of self-destruction and desperate attempts at connection. Most of Mona's awareness seems to be checked out - and we're often shown Mona through the eyes of those snickering about her behind her back. When Mona’s estranged sister Jordan (Molly Plunk) and their attempting-to-recover alcoholic mother May (Dana Eskelson) are drawn back into Mona's orbit, long-buried tensions erupt. The film doesn’t romanticize family bonds; instead, it lays bare the painful cycles of resentment, codependency, and misunderstanding that often define family dynamics.
Multigenerational Trauma and Addiction
One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its unflinching look at multigenerational trauma. Mona, Jordan, and May are trapped in patterns of behavior that echo across generations, each character shaped by a legacy of neglect and addiction. The film illustrates how trauma perpetuates itself, with each woman struggling to break free from a past that continues to haunt them. Addiction is portrayed not as a single character flaw but as an insidious force that distorts relationships and warps the boundaries between unconditional love and desperate codependency.
Effervescently Raw Performances
The heart of See You Next Tuesday lies in its performances. Eleanore Pienta’s portrayal of Mona is kind of disgusting, and yet deeply human; she embodies a character who is simultaneously infuriating and unwaveringly vulnerable. Molly Plunk and Dana Eskelson deliver equally compelling performances, portraying characters who are as flawed as they are relatable. What makes these performances stand out is the way they blend tragedy with small, honest moments of levity. Despite the film’s heavy themes, the actors bring a dark humor and pure authenticity to their roles, finding pockets of absurdity and warmth in even the bleakest moments. This balance keeps the film from becoming too overwhelming, offering viewers a complex, nuanced look at human resilience.
Where to Watch
See You Next Tuesday is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and Apple TV. Don't forget to check & support your local video rental store!
Final Thoughts
See You Next Tuesday is an unflinching exploration of the chaos and contradictions inherent in family life. With its raw performances, dark humor, and incisive look at trauma and addiction, it’s a film that refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it invites viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about love, our decisions, and the ties that bind us. If you’re looking for a film that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, this one should be at the top of your watchlist.