Running with Scissors (2006)

Running with Scissors is the kind of darkly funny coming-of-age film that feels like it’s been lived in, not invented—an off-kilter memory where heartbreak and hilarity share the same cramped room. It’s powered by fearless performances, with Annette Bening especially bringing a volatile, mesmerizing energy that makes every scene feel unpredictable, while the rest of the ensemble turns dysfunction into something strangely human. The tone walks a tightrope between absurd comedy and real tenderness, finding poignancy in the moments when you least expect it. Fair warning: it’s intentionally weird and can be uncomfortable in places, but if you’re drawn to sharp, character-driven stories that laugh to keep from crying, this one sticks with you.

Running with Scissors is clearly aiming for a darkly funny coming-of-age tale about surviving dysfunction, with an off-kilter, “truth is stranger than fiction” vibe and a cast that commits hard. The problem is that it often feels like it’s arranging eccentric misery into quirky set pieces instead of earning the emotional weight behind them, so the drama can land as calculated and the comedy can feel a bit hollow. If you need sincerity and a strong emotional throughline to stay invested, this may come off as boring or even pointless despite the talent on screen. Still, if you’re drawn to uncomfortable, oddball family stories and can enjoy strong performances even when the tone feels uneven, you might find it watchable.