Bernard Berkman still considers himself to be a promising writer in The Squid and the Whale. Several years ago he had modest success with two novels that were published. Loving the accolades and praise, he hasn't been able to repeat his success. In fact, no literary agent wants to touch him. The one who has decided to look at his new manuscript cannot understand it.

Bernard (Jeff Daniels) would have moved on to something else if it were not for his soon-to-be-ex-wife Joan (Laura Linney), whose writing career is on the verge of sky-rocketing with the publication of her first book. This work of fiction has garnered the attention of the New Yorker Magazine, which is about to publish an excerpt.

Bernard has spent years living in denial that his marriage withered and died years ago. There simply is no saving it. He always put the blame on Joan. After all, she could never make up her mind about anything or anyone. Bernard faults himself for one thing only: he lacked aggression, and so Joan pulled away. 

It has come down to a family meeting after the kids arrive back from school. Neither Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) nor Frank (Owen Kline) are prepared for the divorce announcement or for a new joint custody arrangement. Both are upset and angry. Walt views his mother akin to a prostitute and refuses to live with or see her again.

On the other hand, Frank is against his father and makes attempts to distance himself and create a personality different from his. The parents are oblivious to the downward spiral Frank finds himself in. His use of vulgar language may be the result of yearning for attention.

One could not blame Frank for being frustrated with his parents. His dad forgot to pick him up and left him unattended for three days and nights. Frank had become sullen, a loner, angry and addicted to liquor and beer. If it were not for sexual curiosity and an embarrassing incident at school, neither parent would know he's in trouble.

Bernard works at a local college where he's able to relive some of his past triumphs each day. His students are young, naive and impressionable, but none of them have read or heard of his works or failures. To score points with Walt, Bernard tells him he never cheated on his mother.  Furthermore, though students proposition him, he is ethical in everything he does.

Walt, confused about love and commitment, is told to enjoy being young and adventurous and not become attached if he doesn't want to. He has met and fallen for Sophie (Halley Feiffer) who enjoys literature, film and anything artistic. He impresses her at first with tidbits on books his dad has told him about as well as by claiming to have written a song that later is found to be from Pink Floyd. Despite experiencing a blooming romance, Walt looks for something wrong with Sophie. All he can come up with are her freckles. Walt is also drawn to Lily (Anna Paquin), one of his father’s students.

Lily, who has impressed Bernard, is on his mind for having written sexually charged stories based on her experiences. Not being able to afford rent, Lily comes to him for help and  is given a vacant room in the house shared by Walt, who pines for both Lily and Sophie. What will happen to the father, son and the two girls? Will Bernard, Joan and the kids ever find happiness together or apart?

Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale is based on Baumbach's own experiences as a child with divorced parents. It's a gritty, truthful, unflinching and sometimes humorous look at the effects of divorce on the members of a family and on others involved with them. The direction is solid -- as are all the performances. 

The DVD Special Edition bonus items include a director's commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and an interview with the director. 

(Released by Samuel L. Goldwyn Films and rated "R" for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language.)

Review also posted on www.movie-critiques.com.