Funny Farm is a 1988 American comedy film directed by George Roy Hill and written by Jeffrey Boam, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Jay Cronley. The main character, played by Chevy Chase, is a sportswriter who, upon moving to the country with his wife, discovers that small-town life is not quite as tranquil as he expected.
The film follows the Farmers as they settle into their new home in the town of Redbud. They quickly realize that life in the country is not as idyllic as they had hoped, with everything from broken septic tanks to eccentric neighbors and bumbling repairmen causing chaos in their lives.
As Andy struggles to write his novel and Elizabeth begins to feel isolated from the town’s residents, the couple starts to question whether they made the right decision. However, as they become more involved in the town’s affairs and get to know the colorful characters who inhabit it, they begin to appreciate the quirks of small-town life.
Along the way, there are plenty of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, including a disastrous attempt to sell their house and a failed attempt at starting a farm. At the heart of it all is Chevy Chase’s charmingly bumbling performance, which keeps the film light and entertaining despite its sometimes dark subject matter.
In the end, the Farmers come to embrace the chaos and find a sense of belonging in their small town. With its whimsical story and strong performances, Funny Farm is a delightful comedy that captures the joys and challenges of country living.