The Squid and the Whale

Audience emotional responses are dominated by a blend of dark humor and profound sadness. The film's comedic elements arise from the absurd pretentiousness and dysfunction of the adult characters, while the dramatic core elicits strong empathy for the children navigating their parents' messy separation. Melancholy pervades due to the poignant depiction of a family fracturing, and there's a notable sense of anger and disgust towards the selfish and often disturbing behaviors exhibited by both parents and children.