Apart from Moorhead & Benson’s usual focus on cosmic/existential themes, this is a really fine portrait of het male friendship that ducks a lot of cliches. In some ways Steve and Dennis are typically masculine men — they go to a strip club, they razz each other, etc. But each man is also thoughtful and, when it comes down to it, sensitive and willing to show emotion. Basically, they’re platonic life partners. And the film doesn’t shy away from making that clear. Also: I was worried this would be the fancy, shiny, slick movie that broke the spell of the directors’ previous low-budget-y indie winners, but nope — it’s barely slick at all, and well grounded in its New Orleans setting. And like the previous pics it contains a couple of images that really stay with you. For guys this in love with such heady themes, Moorhead & Benson are pretty damn visual filmmakers. It’s a delightful combination.
I’ve never particularly liked Jamie Dornan in anything before this, but I have to admit he does a good job here. And this is a great role for Anthony Mackie, who gets to show toughness but also cry about a dog. Across Spring, The Endless, and this movie, M&B are underrated masters of intelligent genre fare characterized by genuine curiosity and wonder about what’s known and what isn’t. In other filmmakers’ hands, Mackie’s near-climactic monologue about the preciousness of the present might feel, well, precious. But his performance, the strength of the writing, and everything that’s led up to the scene make it feel, instead, well earned. I still need to see Resolution, and I can’t wait to find out what M&B are doing next!
