Comedy, Drama, and a Melon

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Julian
–

Genre: Short, Comedy
Year Released: 2021
Runtime: 6m
Director(s): Vivian Kerr
Writer(s): Cory Stonebrook
Cast: Stephanie Drake, Joel Kelley Dauten, Vivian Kerr
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Port Townsend Film Festival and Micheaux Film Festival; for more information on the film, visit www.ruedangeau.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to a unique exploration of family dynamics served with a hefty dose of the surreal in JULIAN. This film blends the boundaries of reality by combining humor and heartache. It opens with Brynn (Vivian Kerr) preparing her home for a family reunion that will challenge her fragile feelings for her sister Marlow (Stephanie Drake.)

As the story continues, Brynn’s anxiety mounts with the impending arrival of her fiancé, who arrives with a shockingly unusual guest—her fiancé (please don’t spoil this for yourself; just watch it when available!). This twist plunges the sisters deep into the choppy waters of past conflicts, offering the audience a blend of laughter and genuine emotions. Drake, who portrays Marlow, balances the absurd with the authentic, grounding the film’s whimsical elements in palpable emotions.

Kerr, who also directs the film, navigates this quirky story with a playful touch, mixing everyday scenes with an entirely out-of-place bizarre element to enhance its comedic flair while maintaining its emotional depth. Joel Kelley Dauten, as Brynn’s husband, Max, delivers a performance that captures his character’s bewildered yet composed reactions to the escalating family drama. The interplay among the trio, filled with unspoken tensions and pushing the boundaries of what we expect, drives the narrative and forms the core of JULIAN.

The film is shot primarily within the confines of a home, yet it captures the nuances of the characters' performances through well-thought-out cinematography. These choices ensure the more whimsical elements of the story remain relatable and impactful. Markus Mentzer's meticulous cinematography and Marian Jimenez and Eileen de Klerk's editing keep the narrative tight and the transitions smooth, enhancing both the comedic and dramatic arcs without ever distracting from the film’s pace.

At its heart, JULIAN puts an absurd premise against the genuine emotional stakes of Brynn and Marlow’s fraught relationship. This contrast fuels the film’s humor and invites reflection on reconciliation and the bonds of family. The actor's performance navigates these complex emotions, utilizing the light-hearted surface to delve into the profound impacts of what it means to move on.

The film’s ending works to shift the mood from a hotbed of emotions to a reflective one. This crucial moment challenges the characters to reassess their situations and hints at the possibility of mending old rifts, leaving the resolution open-ended with intent.

JULIAN is a fantastic example of how innovative storytelling and insightful filmmaking can converge to craft resonant stories within a short film format. The director’s dual role as lead actor and director adds a personal touch that elevates the film beyond mere quirky entertainment to a meaningful examination of the complexities of human relationships.

JULIAN is a standout film for those who revel in narratives that blend sincere storytelling with humor. It demonstrates that even the most fantastical scenarios can illuminate the universal truths of our human connections.

@julianshortfilm

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[photo courtesy of RUE DANGEAU, A SEASON OF RAIN]

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