In the late 1970s, when a mentally handicapped teenager is abandoned, a gay couple takes him in and becomes the family he’s never had. But once the unconventional living arrangement is discovered by authorities, the men must fight a biased legal system to adopt the child they have come to love as their own.

Inspired by a true story, ‘Any Day Now’ is a devastating film that really struck a chord with me. Despite its rather depressing plot this film was brought to life by magnificent performances. I recently criticized the Tribeca film ‘Death of a Superhero’ for its gloomy plot with uninteresting characters. This film is the polar opposite, while the plot is just as dark, the characters light up the screen in innumerable ways. Not a single character felt like a caricature to me, these were real people in my eyes.

Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahunt star as the gay couple in this film and not only was their relationship believable (they were adorable together) but neither fell victim to common gay stereotypes. Cumming is a drag queen performer at night, but don’t let that fool you – Coming from Queens, New York he is as tough as nails and a real fighter. Dillahunt is the uptight lawyer, but he also has a sweet sensitive side to him. Like I said, these were real people. Alan Cumming especially has created one of the most lovable characters in gay cinema, I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t want Rudy Donatello in their corner.

What I especially loved about this film is that it is not just about a gay couple, sure their romance plays a crucial role (and is a great break from some of the more dramatic moments) but this film had so much more going on. It’s not that unusual nowadays to see gay couples with children in the media (The Kids Are All Right, Modern Family, Glee), so it’s easy to forget how difficult it was for some gay couples to start a family. For someone not yet born at that time it is almost hard to believe just how unfair the justice system was. For me – and I’m sure many audiences will agree – the situation is black and white. This is a 14 year old boy with down-syndrome, his mother wants nothing to do with him, and here is a gay couple that has provided him with a comfortable and loving home. Yet the State wants to take him away and put him in foster care because of their sexuality. Yes, the government’s reason for wanting to take young Marco out of their care is solely based on Paul and Rudy’s sexuality, nothing more. So believe me when I tell you, this film can be very frustrating to watch!

Speaking of young Marco, Isaac Levya gave a fantastic performance. It’s amazing to see that this is his only acting role to date, he’s a real pro. In order for this film to work, the three leads (Cumming, Dillahunt, and Levya) needed to convince the audience that they were really a happy family, and fortunately they all brought their A-game.

A film like this with no major A-list actors in it will probably have trouble finding mainstream distribution. Heavy themes of gay rights and handicapped children are not really a selling point for audiences. It’s a huge shame because if given the chance this film could really make a difference for gay couples looking to adopt. Additionally, Alan Cumming would probably have a chance at an Academy Award if the film received enough attention, but I don’t have high hopes.

‘Any Day Now’ is heavy, emotional, and heartbreaking – and I loved every minute of it. With a combination of real characters, phenomenal acting by its three leads, and a touching message, this film succeeds in every way. ‘Any Day Now’ is by far my favorite film at the Tribeca Film Festival, I cannot speak more highly of it.

SEE IT.

Here is a list of upcoming screenings of ‘Any Day Now’

Sat 4/28 6:00pm Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7

Ticket Information: http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets/Box_Office_Information.html