Slums of Beverly Hills is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Tamara Jenkins. The film is set in the mid-1970s and revolves around the Abromowitz family, a dysfunctional group of nomads who move from one run-down apartment to another on the fringes of Beverly Hills. The story centers on the teenage Vivian Abromowitz (Natasha Lyonne), who is struggling with both her own adolescent angst and her family's uncertain future.
Vivian's father, Murray (Alan Arkin), is a struggling writer who can't seem to finish any of his projects, while her mother, Rita (Marisa Tomei), is a hot-headed woman who has recently been released from a mental institution. Vivian's older brothers are similarly aimless, with her eldest brother, Ben (David Krumholtz), dropping out of college to start a career as a drug dealer, and her middle brother, Rickey (Eli Marienthal), struggling to come to terms with his own sexuality.
As Vivian navigates the challenges of adolescence, including her own burgeoning sexuality and her parents' financial struggles, she forms a close bond with her cousin, Rita's teenage daughter, who has been sent to live with the Abromowitz family while her mother recovers from her mental health issues.
Slums of Beverly Hills is a poignant and sharply observed film that captures the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family during a turbulent time in American history. With its sharp writing and excellent performances, the film offers a nuanced and compassionate look at the complex dynamics of family life. So, it could be an interesting watch for fans of coming-of-age dramas and family dramas.