The Struggles and Triumphs of Artistic Ambition

Read Time:5 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Not An Artist
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023, 2025
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher
Writer(s): Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher, Matt Walsh
Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Betsy Sodaro, Rosalind Chao, Ciara Bravo, Matt Walsh, Robert Schwartzman, Paul Lieberstein, Dan Bakkedahl, RZA, Gata, Morgan Walsh, Clark Moore, Alexi Pappas, Lauren Knutti
Where To Watch: available digitally starting January 31, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: If you’re reading this before watching the film, I ask you not to read it. Just trust me; go and appreciate the movie for what it is without ruining any of the context. While I don’t put spoilers into my reviews, I think some films are better seen without any information ahead of time. Few films attempt to capture the raw essence of creativity, and even fewer manage to explore its complexities with sincerity and depth. This one stands out as a thoughtful exploration of the tension between ambition and authenticity, taking viewers into the high-pressure environment of an artist residency. The stakes are simple yet profound: uncover your artistic potential or leave your craft behind entirely. With this premise, the narrative dives into the struggles of those who live to create and the hurdles that often block their path. This isn’t a perfect film, but I’ll be damned if every person who watches it won’t connect with at least one of the characters.

The story revolves around a secluded program overseen by the enigmatic Abbot, portrayed by RZA with a quiet yet commanding presence. His character serves as both a mentor and a gatekeeper, challenging participants to reach their potential while maintaining a veil of mystery. The unexpected arrival of an outsider throws this delicate ecosystem off balance, injecting a sense of unpredictability that propels the story forward. The tension between the participants and their ambitions becomes the driving force, creating a layered and engaging exploration.

Director Alexi Pappas infuses the film with an intimate atmosphere, balancing personal vulnerability with broader critiques. The residency literally and metaphorically forces its participants to confront their deepest fears and aspirations. This is an allegory for anyone grappling with the pressures of life, especially under the weight of capitalism’s relentless demands. Pappas handles these themes with care, blending humor and introspection to create a narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

The cast is a standout aspect of the film, delivering performances that elevate the material. Rosalind Chao brings understated depth to her role, Cleopatra Coleman adds emotional nuance to her character, while GaTa’s portrayal of Donté blends humor and sincerity. Pappas herself delivers a relatable and layered performance as Alice, showcasing both vulnerability and strength. Robert Schwartzman’s quieter role provides balance, helping to ground the film’s more eccentric elements. Ciara Bravo offers a smaller but just as powerful performance, along with Haley Joel Osment’s understated addition. Oh, and Matt Walsh is fantastic, as usual! I could keep going, but as for ensembles, this film nailed it!

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its commentary on the creative process. The residency’s high-pressure environment mirrors artists' real-world challenges, as they often grapple with the dual burdens of self-expression and commercial viability. Abbot’s character symbolizes these pressures, simultaneously guiding and testing the participants. This meta-layer adds depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of the narrative.

The film’s modest production is to its advantage. It emphasizes its themes of intimacy and authenticity, creating a more personal and relatable experience. This focus on character-driven storytelling allows the story to resonate, particularly with those familiar with the highs and lows of creative pursuits.

Humor plays a crucial role in balancing the film’s heavier themes. The comedic moments are handled carefully, never undermining the story’s emotional weight. GaTa, in particular, shines in this regard, using his comedic timing to bring warmth and relatability to his character. Coleman and Lieberstein also deliver moments of levity, adding charm and personality to the story. These lighter scenes help to humanize the characters, making their struggles all the more impactful.

At its core, this film celebrates creativity in all its messy, unpredictable glory. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges of the artistic journey, instead embracing them as an essential part of the process. Pappas has crafted a project that captures the heart of independent cinema. Its blend of performances, thought-provoking themes, and an intimate approach make it stand out as a meaningful exploration of what it means to create.

The story is a testament to the courage it takes to pursue creativity in an unforgiving world. It doesn’t promise easy answers but instead offers something more valuable—a reflection on the resilience and perseverance that art demands. This film invites its audience to reflect, laugh, and maybe even see a bit of themselves in its characters.

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[photo courtesy of UTOPIA]

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