On this page: FIRSTNESS | MOSQUITO STATE | POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA

< < I N D I E S > >

Adding to the film's quirky tone, the performances have an expert sense of timing, while never tipping over into comedy. The actors are utterly transparent, which makes them both intriguing and likeable, even if they're all a mess. Kinsella's scruffy, hapless Keith seems almost heroic, simply by continually revealing his good heart. He's also rather sweetly naive, misreading a group member (Zhang) who relentlessly flirts with him. Cabrera is similarly genuine as the expressive, curious Julian. And at the centre, the charismatic Jording's Tavi is a striking original who marches to their own rhythms.

This is a clever depiction of the ways people connect with each other, both embracing commonalities and reaching across differences. Brilliant's approach is never pushy, setting up scenes in ways that could go anywhere, then defying expectations with artfully inventive twists and subtle nuances that continually catch us off guard. So instead of lecturing the audience about important issues that are gurgling up into the story, the film helps us understand these idiosyncratic people. And realise that we're more like them than we knew.

themes, language

20.Aug.21

With his stiff, deliberate movements, Knapp plays Richard as such a awkward, obsessive savant that he's difficult to like. So it seems like Lena's attraction must be purely financial, while his colleagues both goad and placate him. Because the film is so centred in on him, the storms brewing both inside and around him feel apocalyptic, especially as his bad reactions to the bug bites transform him physically. Richard is unable to make a real connection with Lena, or with anyone in his office, but Knapp manages to give him a soul.

While the script plays around with the serious disaster of unfettered capitalism, the way the film locks tightly around Richard and his Quasimodo-style isolation in his tower is properly unnerving. It's far too controlled and fantastical to be either meaningful or scary, but there are moments of disturbing beauty and unexpected emotional touches along the way. All of which leaves the film feeling sinister but also indulgently perplexing.

themes, language, violence

22.Aug.21

While much of the film is lighthearted, the darker moments allow the actors to deepen the characters significantly, which makes each of them compelling and engaging. Bocock gives Potato a hugely likeable presence, from confused teen to happily promiscuous young filmmaker. His interaction with his family and friends is beautifully played, and the montage of lovers is terrific, much sexier than comedies usually dare to get. Kaminski and Lauria are also excellent in roles that deepen in complexity as the story takes various turns.

With its broad life-spanning narrative, the film encompasses several themes and issues. And it refreshingly never pushes any of its more provocative points beyond stressing the importance of love and understanding. Hurley has created a wonderfully textured look at his own life and the people around him, tapping into feelings pretty much anyone can identify with. And perhaps the most significant observation is that children often know what's natural and right more clearly than grown-ups do.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

19.Aug.21