Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day. Now it is back to business as usual. However, some of us don’t want the warm season to end yet. Mother Nature certainly doesn’t. Despite all the blockbusters, some smaller studios released some gems for us.
Tony, in theaters from A24, tells us about a summer when a young Anthony Bourdain went to Provincetown in order to pursue a girl from his class. With no money and stuck there, he is forced to take a job as a dishwasher so he can go back home. However, in his journey, he finds himself enthralled with the lifestyle of the kitchen and the work they do. Over the course of that summer, he gains a newfound love for the craft through his mentor at a local seafood restaurant.
Dominic Sessa is Bourdain, a scrappy no-nothing who is forced to fend for himself in this strange new environment. After The Holdovers, I am afraid Sessa might be a bit typecast. Antonio Banderas is a delight as his employer/boarder/sage, that familiar glint in his eyes making every syllable stick. Leo Woodall plays a jerky foil who takes Bourdain under his wing for a time, showing him the ropes but simultaneously teaching the worst way to live one’s life. Director Matt Johnson creates an amazing film that captures a moment in time that is nostalgic, but clearly lived in. No museum piece here. For lovers of The Bear and Johnson’s previous biopic Blackberry, this is essential viewing.
Trips don’t have to be in the states. They can also be international. Erupcja (Polish for Eruption) from director Pete Ohs takes place in Warsaw and follows several characters. Nel is a florist, happily dating Ula. Bethany is traveling with her boyfriend Rob on holiday. But as the film progresses, we learn that their choice of destination wasn’t by accident. You see, Bethany has known Nel for years. And as she suspects that Rob is about to propose, leaving Bethany wondering if he is the right one. There is no spark, but with Nel so much more. The next day Mount Etna explodes, leaving flights in limbo. Bethany and Nel have convinced themselves since childhood that they have caused these volcanic disturbances. But as one character points out, these natural occurrences can also be destructive.
Charli XCX is everywhere lately, but this is the first time I have seen her devolve into a role. As Bethany, we see the fear of settling down but also the impulsive behavior that can be quite careless. Her chemistry with Lena Gora as Nel is palpable, no rock star posturing. At an hour and eleven minutes, the film breezes by like the best French New Wave fare armed with a propulsive score. If you have the streamer MUBI, I suggest checking it out.
Over on Hulu, “The Christophers” is the latest from Steven Soderbergh. On a role of late, here we have a bit of a heist movie that couches a beautiful character study. Michaela Coel plays Lori, an artist and restoration worker who is hired by the ne’er-do-well offspring of a celebrated artist. Ian McKellen portrays this reclusive painter Julian, hiding the last series of unfinished works. Lori’s task: to get hired as assistant to steal and finish the paintings to sell.
But what seems straightforward turns into an exploration of the complex relationship between Lori and Julian. And it is electric. Much like Erupcja, a lot of the dialogue was improvised on the spot by the actors. If true, bravo. There is not an inauthentic moment. Coel and McKellan are fascinating to watch, one-upping each other in how many quips they can get out. Between this and Mother Mary, Coel is a force unto herself in the indie movie scene. Hope to see more of her in the future. This is a film that will test some people’s patience. If you stick with it, you will be richly rewarded.
