On November 30, Netflix released Family Switch, a light-hearted comedy with a Christmas twist. In a world where family members switch bodies, the film explores what life is like in your family’s shoes and emphasizes the importance of valuing other family members.
The movie begins with parents Jess Walker (Jennifer Garner) and Bill Walker (Ed Helms) performing the hit song “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” by The Jackson 5, dressed as candy canes to get their children into the Christmas spirit. Their three children—16-year-old CC (Emma Myers), 14-year-old Wyatt (Brady Noon), and 2-year-old Miles (Lincoln and Theodore Skyes)—are disinterested in their parents’ performance, and would rather go on their devices than spend time with their family. Each dealing with their own responsibilities and daily lives, the family members struggle to understand each other. Jess is unable to understand CC’s passionate aspiration for a career in soccer, and Bill struggles to recognize why Wyatt is having a hard time fitting in with his high school peers.
The next day, the Walkers go to the Griffith Park Planetarium where a rare planetary alignment event occurs, causing the whole family to switch bodies. Now, Jess’ mind is in CC, Bill’s mind is in Wyatt, Miles’ mind is in the family’s French bulldog, and vice versa. Consequently, the whole family faces a chaotic day full of high-pressure events as each family member tries to adjust to their new body. Jess has an important presentation that could secure an architectural partnership with her firm, Bill has a recorded performance giving his band the potential to become Hollywood stars, CC has an opportunity to join the U.S. National Soccer team, and Wyatt has an early acceptance interview with Yale University. Similar to many M-A students, CC is focused on excelling at her sport, consuming much of her time. And Wyatt is determined to nail his interview for his dream college. They prioritize these two aspirations so much, that family takes the backseat.
You have to watch the movie to see what happens. But, I will say this to all teens: Family Switch will make you appreciate the responsibilities that come with it. The movie communicates that life is not only challenging for teens but also for parents. For parents, the film conveys that life as a teen is awkward, and filled with high pressures and insecurities. By stepping into each other’s shoes, the family deepens their connection and appreciation for one another.
I thought the casting in Family Switch was perfect. Each actor and actress played their role well and the transfer of personalities was smooth. Each character had their own distinct personalities that were still clear even when their bodies were switched. When watching this movie, I was reminded of other body-swap films such as Freaky Friday, the 2003 iconic film that has the same concept as Family Switch. Family Switch is a comical yet heartwarming movie that is perfect for a quick watch this holiday season.
