Charles Manson is most likely the closest we’ll ever get to a real-life Hannibal Lecter; a master manipulator and a physical manifestation of insanity locked in a cage for the world to admire, though obviously less eloquent than Thomas Harris’s creation. Naturally, Manson’s story has influenced a lot of popular culture, and now J. Davis tackles this real world mythology with a surprisingly moving dramedy about Manson’s legacy with the Manson Family Vacation.

The film follows Nick and Conrad, estranged brothers played Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips. Nick is a level-headed lawyer, the head of a traditional family and straight man of the movie. Conrad, however, is a death-obsessed artist that believes his family is to blame for his condition. After receiving a job offer at a suspicious environmental protection organization, Conrad decides to visit Nick one last time, hoping to bond by visiting various locations where the Manson Family perpetrated their crimes.

Though the trailer sets the film up as a comedic retelling of Manson’s “misadventures”, Manson Family Vacation is a much more than a throwaway comedy, despite some of the grimmer elements. Drama takes center stage here, with some of the darker aspects adding a touch of realism to the story. While certain tragedies are played for laughs, the movie makes sure (most of the time) to remind you that they shouldn’t be. Linas’ character was especially treated with unexpected poignancy; his morbid fascination being considered genuinely unhealthy and not just a punchline.

Sadly, the comedic elements don’t do much to enhance the serious themes present in the script, and are the worst portions of the film. Many jokes are in poor taste considering the actual tragedies that occurred in some of the locations, and it’s hard to root for such insensitive characters. The offensiveness would have been forgiven, however, if the jokes had actually been funny. Most of the gags are not worth the setup, but there are a few chuckle-worthy moments here and there. Overall, the script is unfocused regarding humor but extremely sincere where it matters.

Duplass and Phillips are the driving forces of the film, and you truly believe that these brothers have spent their lives uncomfortable with each other. Nick seems to genuinely care for his brother while simultaneously being terrified of his motivations. Meanwhile, Conrad is obviously unhinged, though he does have a softer loveable side. At times, the characters are hard to like due to some unnecessary actions, but you do end up rooting for them to make up and become a family once more. Tobin Bell also shows up in a small role towards the end of the film, and though he’s always a welcome addition to any horror film, he isn’t really given much to do.

Manson Family Vacation is J. Davis’ first time directing, so most of the imbalances are to be expected. Though the script got in the way as well, it’s quite clear that Davis’ skills are better suited to character development and pathos than comedic antics. A lot of the plot is predictable, but in the end this is a mostly memorable film about the influence of family and nature over nurture. The macabre elements aren’t especially focused on, but any true-crime fanatic will enjoy the attention to detail and research put into the film, not to mention the fantastic characters and themes.