MOVIE REVIEW
Chaperone
 -     

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Zoë Eisenberg
Writer(s): Zoë Eisenberg
Cast: Mitzi Akaha, Laird Akeo, Kanoa Goo, Jessica Jade Andres, Krista Alvarez, Ioane Goodhue
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com

RAVING REVIEW: Zoë Eisenberg's CHAPERONE is a heartening and powerful narrative blend, steering clear of the typical stories we often get from less personal films. It introduces us to Misha, a 29-year-old who finds solace in the simplicity of her life, contrasting sharply with the usual hustle for societal advancement. Misha's (Mitzi Akaha) contentment in her home and longtime job sparks a mix of puzzlement and dismay among her acquaintances, family, and friends. The film takes a dramatic shift when we meet Jake (Laird Akeo,) a younger athlete who confuses her with someone who goes to another school nearby; once he enters her life, everything changes. Their evolving connection spotlights the film's key theme: the liberation found in personal choice.

Set amidst the enchanting locales of Hawai'i, CHAPERONE stands out with its culturally rich Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cast, bringing depth and diversity to its storyline. Eisenberg weaves her real-life experiences into the film's story, crafting Misha into a relatable and layered character. The movie navigates through the complexities of societal expectations and the pursuit of individuality amidst traditional life paths.

Far from being your standard story about friendship or societal defiance, CHAPERONE prompts its audience to introspect about their own life choices in the context of societal norms. With Eisenberg’s directorial and writing flair and Akaha’s performance, the film will stick with you for a long time. While you may think you know what you would do in this situation, the reality is that happiness is a powerful tool, especially for someone who has to reach for it so often. It makes you put yourself first, something that, while maybe not always the best decision, is a core motive in humans.

CHAPERONE transcends the boundaries of a typical film. It catalyzes discussion, reflecting on what society deems acceptable and the repercussions of veering away from them. This film is a striking statement in cinema, seamlessly fusing themes of individual freedom, societal expectations, and the impact of making unconventional life choices. I won’t lie; there are going to be a lot of people who judge this narrative and Misha’s actions because of what they’ve been told. Ultimately, is it a question of morals, law, judgment, or more? In what I would consider one of the year's best performances, Akaha leaves you questioning everything you think you know and rooting for her happiness.

CHAPERONE is a thought-provoking journey into the essence of what is right and wrong and what the norms of society tell us is right or wrong. A significant and lasting addition to the film world, CHAPERONE impresses with its unique setting, gripping narrative, solid performances, and powerful themes. It’s a movie that resonates with its audience well beyond the final scene.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of 1919 FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.