Inlaws & Outlaws

The difficulty of finding life partners and sustaining relationships is the general subject of Drew Emery's documentary Inlaws & Outlaws, but its particular purpose is to encourage a deeper understanding of, and sympathy for, both same-sex romance and the desire for legally recognized marriage on the part of gay and lesbian couples. Individual interviewees (so you don't know initially who is straight or gay) describe their childhoods (often involving unhappy home lives) and later experiences. Some enter conventional heterosexual unions and find them fulfilling, while others connect with partners of the same sex. Some remain single (although not necessarily by choice), while others marry, but eventually acknowledge that they are attracted to members of their own sex. Powerful moments are scattered throughout, including one man's recollection of the sudden death of his longtime partner, and another man's story of the struggle he underwent trying to explain to his wife why he was asking for a divorce. But much of the material here is happier in tone, underscoring the fact that lasting relationships are found in a variety of arrangements. Comments of children interspersed throughout reveal that the younger generation has embraced a much greater degree of tolerance and openness, offering real hope for the future. DVD extras include added scenes, an interview with the producer, a short film encouraging the use of Inlaws & Outlaws to generate public awareness, and a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)