But there’s one more Keaton-centered piece of wisdom that required nearly a full box of tissues for me this year: How the household matriarch is the one who, for better or worse, we lean on and, who consistently sets the tone.
Spoiler alert, we learn in the film that Sybil is quite sick, and, in fact, isn’t there the following Christmas as the Stone family gathers again. (In case it’s not clear, I’m still reeling from the loss of the real life Keaton last year.) As I watched, with my own chaotic holiday family gatherings drawing near, I was reminded that, yes, there will be squabbles and keyed up talk about politics, not to mention overly charged moments, but (but!) the point is togetherness. The petty differences are all rather fleeting, no? The Family Stone serves as the perfect reminder of that.
As for what the sequel will look like? That’s still TBD. All we know so far is that it will revisit the Stone family 20 years after Sybil’s death. But when the family gathers for Christmas, there’s some unexpected news from dad (played by Craig T. Nelson): He has fallen in love again. (So far, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes and more are all set to return.)
In the meantime, I’m happy to prioritize the original. It’s officially a must-watch this year—and every year—going forward.
