I don’t get the deal with Charles Manson. It’s both fascinating and confounding how he’s managed to worm his way into the popular culture over the years, and still remain there. But given the what pop culture has done with the likes of other infamous mass murderers, it’s shouldn’t come as a surprise. The latest in films to use Manson as a springboard is writer/director J. Davis’ Manson Family Vacation, which made its debut at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, and is now getting a VOD release. This quirky little slice of comedy raised a few critics’ eyebrows, including my own.

Nick and Conrad (Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips) are two brothers who haven’t seen each other in years. Nick is married with a son, and is a partner at a successful law firm. Conrad, on the other hand, is an unshaven drifter and failed artist. After their father’s funeral (which Conrad didn’t attend), Conrad decides to drop in to visit his brother before setting out for his new job. It seems Conrad has developed an obsession with Charles Manson, and wants Nick to come with him to tour the murder landmarks. Nick reluctantly agrees, and so the duo set off on an adventure which will invariably change their relationship.

With a film like this, it’s imperative that your leads not only have chemistry together, but also have some chops. Thankfully, Duplass and Phillips are more than up to the task. Obviously, Duplass plays Nick as the responsible straight man, and does so with a streak of resentment towards his brother for being so irresponsible and flighty. What’s really great about it is that the resentment can be felt even without the dialogue. Likewise, Phillips as Conrad carries feelings of being misunderstood as the typical “black sheep” of the family. This is all on top of their interactions with one another, which if you have a sibling, know what to expect. There are moments of bonding over a game of pool, to the uncomfortable tension at a restaurant over their father’s death and funeral. This is some great stuff, and it’s a treat to see these two not only interact with each other, but also handle their individual roles with ease. As a bonus, once Tobin Bell shows up in the film as Conrad’s mysterious employer, we’re treated to another great performance that seems second nature to Bell.

Calling this a buddy comedy might be a misnomer. It implies that the tone of humour might be in the vein of, say, Twins or Tommy Boy. It’s more in line with a “dramedy”. The humour is definitely there, but it’s largely dry. Admittedly, not everyone enjoys this particular brand of humour (it’s hit or miss with me), especially when it comes to the grounded tone that pervades the film. By the same token, however, the humour isn’t meant to be the focus. The focus is on the relationship between Nick and Conrad, with the humour being in the background. Some will be disappointed at this, but if the humour was put first, everything else would suffer because of that. Wisely, Davis keeps the focus on Nick and Conrad.

Apart from those potentially dismayed at the brand of humour used (it’s that subjectivity thing, after all), some horror fans will be disappointed in the fact that the film doesn’t venture into the bloodshed or chaos you might expect from a film that uses the topic of Manson. It’s not that type of film. Again, the focus is on Nick and Conrad. But even then, the film sometimes missteps with taking the focus away from the brothers by spending a little too much time on the tourist aspects of their adventure. Understandably, as the film progresses, it’s revealed that Conrad’s obsession with Manson is more than just a cult following, so it’s necessary to have that establishment prior to the reveal. Still, it’s a balancing act that at times does feel uneven when other characters and events get in the way.

By the end of the film, however, Manson Family Vacation succeeds in being a nice surprise for those like myself, who had no idea what to expect. The acting and dynamic between Duplass and Phillips is excellent, and is rightfully the reason to see this film. The tying of the Manson mythos into the film adds another layer into the underlying message about family. This isn’t about blood and gore, nor is it a laugh-out-loud, rolling-on-the-floor comedy. It’s a wonderful look at the pains and joys of family, black sheep and all. Definitely check it out.