THE SQUID AND THE WHALE is a funny film about pain - the deep, aching pain of a family dissolved. It is rare for a film to be comedic and heartbreaking beyond cliches, but the film's standout performances capture the characters with such truth that one cannot help but feel that we've lived with them - and lost them. Made for relatively little money, the movie also reflects the great spectrum of budgets in American film and reminds us that a personal vision, great heart and the commitment of a talented creative ensemble are priceless.