âFinding Ohanaâ Review: Treasure Hunting and Family Healing
The adventure narrative in this Hawaii-set Netflix film distracts from a deeper story about cultural heritage and family dynamics.
From left, Lindsay Watson, Kea Peahu, Owen Vaccaro and Alex Aiono in “Finding Ohana.”Credit.Chris Moore/Netfilx
By Kyle Turner
When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed film through our site, we earn an affiliate commission.
The Hawaiian term ohana, which means family, may be most recognized from its popularization by the Disney animated film âLilo and Stitch.â Like that alien-populated coming-of-age comedy, the Netflix film âFinding Ohanaâ uncovers adventure in the midst of familial dysfunction. But the treasure-hunting escapade at the center of this film weakens a more compelling look at the dynamics of a family and the uncertain future of its cultural legacy.