So every once in a while, you come across a small indy film that really surprises. These are often my favorite types of films because they are typically very rich in character development and the story arc(s) tend to be "off the beaten path" and have no desire to appeal to the mainstream palate. I came across this film as a netflix recommendation, so I did my usual quick check of the description and the Rotten Tomatoes rating. The RT rating shows a wide discrepancy between the critics score and the consumer score, which often times can mean it's some artsy film that is critically acclaimed but boring as hell. I gave it a shot anyway and wasn't disappointed at all.
This film is very disturbing and uncomfortable at times, and I think that has contributed to the lower consumer rating. It's very well acted, well directed, and VERY authentic...and I can see why people would have a hard time "liking" the central character, and subsequently the film in general. It probably would have received an NC-17 rating if they had submitted it to the MPAA or whatever.
As the film begins, we have our main character in Paris trying to cope with the sting of a break-up. This was the "hook" for me initially, because most of us have been in that position and know that feeling of desperation and discomfort, where the wound is so fresh that it feels as if your entire world has collapsed and no matter what you do or where you go, you just can't shake it. Although she has asked for space and no communication, he chooses to send an email and reach out...portraying himself as someone who has successfully move on and even having met someone new. It was this contrast between the mindset he portrayed in the email vs his actual mindset that really fascinated me from the get-go and intrigued me with it's authenticity.
I'll leave it there and just say that I highly recommend this film for those of you who aren't easily offended lol. The IMDB link I'm posting below has the official trailer...give it a look!
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2907088665/EDIT: Just FYI, this movie is available via Netflix streaming.
