Parents (1989)

“What were the leftovers before they were leftovers?” that’s all young Michael wants to know, as it seems ever since his family moved into their new home they’ve had nothing but a constant diet of leftover meat, of what kind he’s not even sure. Set in 1950’s suburbia, “Parents” tells the tale of what it would be like if you were a nine year old whose parents just happened to secretly be, well, cannibals. It’s all very “Leave It To Beaver” though in a weird, warped way as nine-year-old Michael slowly starts to suspect something is not quite right with his parents. Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt play the perfect parents, Dad works at a company called Toxico, a government chemical plant which supplies plenty of fresh cadavers for Dad to bring home to Mom, who’s the perfect housewife, slicing up the various “meats” for family consumption. The film is shot through the eyes of young Michael, who knows something is off about Mom and Pop but just can’t quite put his finger on it. Typically I hate child actors, but this little dude did a great job with his role. I mean, sure the kid is weird, but let’s see how normal you would be if you saw mom and dad rolling around having sex...in a bunch of raw meat! Yikes! Young Michael gets along fine with his mom, but his relationship with the old man isn’t to hot. Randy Quaid’s portrayal of the dad is a major highlight of the film, every movement and gesture hints at some dark underlying menace. You’re constantly waiting for the dude to snap, especially at those dinner scenes when his little “Sport” just won’t eat his meat. For anyone who had a rather imposing Dad who insisted you clean your plate at dinner these scenes will really hit home. I really enjoyed how the film is set in the fifties and many scenes are great example’s of black comedy at it’s best. It’s quirky and weird throughout, and a nice change of pace from most flicks. My only complaint was that the ending is somewhat predictable, but it still works within the story. “Parents” is a nice little find, and worth viewing if you stumble across it. Recommended.