A couple gives up on their marriage and it hurts the family. Criterion Collection Year 2005 Theatrical Release 2005-10-05 Video Release 2006-03-21 Studio Samuel Goldwyn Films Genre Drama MPAA Rating R CARA strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language Color Color Runtime 81 Animated Live-Action Full Synopsis Based on the true childhood experiences of director Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale tells the heartfelt story of a family splintered by divorce. Bernard, an academic and author, and his restless wife Joan, an up and coming writer, have given up on their marriage. Their two sons Walt, 16 and Frank, 12, are left to grapple with their confusing and conflicted feelings. Director Noah Baumbach Cast Noah Baumbach; Jeff Daniels; Laura Linney; Jesse Eisenberg; Owen Kline; Halley Feiffer; Anna Paquin; William Baldwin; Adam Rose; Alexandra Daddario