Questions for Discussion
- Are the Brights sympathetic as individual family members? How would you describe each of the brothers’ strengths and weaknesses?
- How would you define their family dynamic? Do you find elements of their dynamic relatable?
- Do you recognize universal themes of marriage in this story? If so, what are some of them?
- All families have secrets—some darker than others. What do you think about the secret Patty and John Senior have kept from their sons?
- Should they have told Philip about his real father at some point earlier? How about the other sons?
- Does Patty Bright, in your view, redeem herself at the end? Is her behavior more defensible or less?
- Which of the relationships in this story—romantic or familial—do you root for, and which ones do you view as irredeemable?
- What do you think of Farah? Do you think she and Philip have things in common? Do you think there is a chance they might get together?
- Some families can stretch and grow while others are more rigid. How would you characterize the Brights?
- What role do you think the camera’s lens is intended to play in advancing the story or illuminating the characters? Is it effective?