The Family

The Family is the story of three months in the life of one ordinary Australian family. But what makes it extraordinary is its intimacy. The Cardamone family allowed 35 remote controlled cameras to follow their every move, day and night, for three months. The result is a no holds barred view of the dynamics and universal themes of family life. Dad... More »

The Family is the story of three months in the life of one ordinary Australian family. But what makes it extraordinary is its intimacy. The Cardamone family allowed 35 remote controlled cameras to follow their every move, day and night, for three months. The result is a no holds barred view of the dynamics and universal themes of family life.

Dad Angelo, Mum Josephine, and their three boys David 20, Stefan 18, and Adrian 14, live in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. There is nothing unusual about them, except that they agreed to take part in this project. When we meet them, Dad works in the construction industry, Mum in cosmetic sales, David is at uni, Stefan is in his last year of school, and Adrian is in year nine. They have lots of friends and extended family that pop in and a very busy life to manage.

Over eight weeks we watch their lives unfold, from exam results to birthday parties, from pizza nights to Christmas celebrations: the stuff of everyday life. But by allowing such intimate filming of their lives the Cardamones also reveal all that is behind the ordinary. The emotions, the tensions, the strengths and the weaknesses that shape the way we all behave. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real.

The Family is about the Cardamones, but it is also about all of us. What makes us tick, how do we interact, and how do celebrate, commiserate, and consider our lives?

EPISODE SYNOPSISES

1. Married With Children

After 25 years of marriage Angelo and Josephine have learnt to negotiate most things. But when their youngest son wants a trail bike for his birthday they are totally divided.

2. Let’s Talk About Sex

Growing young men and sex is a difficult topic for most parents, but with three boys the Cardamone family has triple trouble on the way.

3. Happy Birthday To You

Mum’s 50th birthday is fast approaching and Dad is planning a surprise party. But can he and the boys keep it secret, let alone organise the biggest event of the year without Mum’s help?

4. They’re Not Kids Anymore

Josephine and Angelo face an empty nest for the first time in years. With all the kids away they get a glimpse of the future.

5. DIY Dad
Dad becomes a weekend warrior installing a water tank, but like most men he may have bitten off a little more than he can chew.

6. What Are You Going to do With Your Life?

It’s crunch time for Stefan with year 12 results and university offers on the way… but he doesn’t seem to care. He plans to take a year off and enjoy himself, but Josie and Angelo are dead set against it.

7. A House Full of Boys

Josie is not too happy with her lot. She is bored at work and feels like a slave at home …and Angelo and the boys don’t seem to notice. After years of caring for the family, Josie needs to put herself first.

8. And So This Is Christmas

Christmas chaos hits the Cardamone house. As hungry family and friends descend, stress levels rise, and the chances of a Merry Christmas don’t look very good.

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