The Squid and the Whale is a critically acclaimed indie drama in which Laura Linney plays the role of Joan Berkman, the wife of Jeff Daniels' character. Set in 1980s Brooklyn, the film follows the disintegration of a marriage and its impact on the couple's two sons. Linney's performance as a woman navigating the complexities of love, marriage, and parenthood is both nuanced and compelling. The Squid and the Whale is a raw and honest exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of growing up.