Manson Family Vacation is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by J. Davis. The movie stars Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips in lead roles. It tells the story of two estranged brothers who reconnect to embark on a road trip to visit infamous murder sites associated with the Manson Family.
Is Manson Family Vacation a True Story?
The short answer is no, Manson Family Vacation is not based on a true story. However, the film does take inspiration from real-life events associated with the Manson Family.
For those unfamiliar with the Manson Family, it was a cult led by Charles Manson in the late 1960s. The group committed several heinous crimes, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in August 1969. The murders shocked the world and marked the end of an era of peace and love that defined the counterculture movement of that time.
Manson Family Vacation uses this dark chapter in American history as a backdrop to explore themes of brotherhood, redemption, and forgiveness. The film takes its title from one of Charles Manson’s followers, Tex Watson, who referred to their travels as “Manson family vacations.”
The Plot of Manson Family Vacation
The story revolves around two brothers Nick (Jay Duplass) and Conrad (Linas Phillips), who are estranged but decide to reconnect after years apart. Nick is a successful lawyer living in Los Angeles, while Conrad is a free-spirited wanderer who idolizes Charles Manson.
Conrad invites Nick on a road trip to visit various locations connected to the Manson Family murders. However, Nick has reservations about this idea but agrees to go along with it nonetheless.
As they travel across California, they encounter various people along the way who challenge their beliefs and assumptions about life. Their journey culminates in an unexpected twist that forces them to confront their past and present relationships.
The Inspiration Behind Manson Family Vacation
Director J. Davis has stated in interviews that he was fascinated by the story of the Manson Family and the impact it had on American culture. However, he was more interested in exploring the human element of the story rather than rehashing the gruesome details of the crimes.
Davis has also revealed that he drew inspiration from personal experiences with his own brother, who passed away before he could reconnect with him. He wanted to explore the complexities of sibling relationships and how they can evolve over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Manson Family Vacation is not a true story, it does take inspiration from real-life events associated with one of America’s most notorious cults. The film uses this backdrop to tell a poignant and thought-provoking story about brotherhood, redemption, and forgiveness.
If you haven’t watched Manson Family Vacation yet, it’s definitely worth checking out for its engaging storyline and excellent performances by Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips.