The Complexity of Coming Home

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MOVIE REVIEW
Close to You (DVD)
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Genre: Drama, LGBTQ
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Dominic Savage
Writer(s): Elliot Page, Dominic Savage
Cast: Elliot Page, Hillary Baack, Peter Outerbridge, Wendy Crewson
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Elliot Page’s portrayal in CLOSE TO YOU pulls us into an intricate tale of family drama, spotlighting the conflicts that surface when one returns to the roots they've once left behind. Directed by Dominic Savage, this film stands out for its raw, improvisational dialogue style that effectively captures the authenticity of strained family relationships and the personal battles against societal expectations. To be entirely clear, this is one of those situations where I feel my opinion of the film doesn’t matter. Page says making CLOSE TO YOU, his first feature film since publicly coming out as transgender, was “one of the best experiences I've ever had.”

CLOSE TO YOU sets a dramatic tone as Sam, played by Page, makes his long-anticipated return home, only to discover that the warmth of family reunions can sometimes be a façade for deeper, unresolved tensions. The seemingly welcoming arms of his family gradually reveal layers of discomfort, especially highlighted in the strained exchanges with Paul (David Reale.) This character becomes a mirror to the subtler forms of adversity Sam faces.

The heart of this drama is the web of family interactions. It’s here, in the quiet, intense moments of conversation, that the film truly resonates. The improvisational method enriches these scenes, allowing the actors to explore and convey the complexities of their relationships in a manner that feels both unrehearsed and real. This depiction of family dynamics strips away any hint of melodrama, presenting a raw and genuine emotional experience.

The narrative doesn’t focus only on family struggles. It also ventures into personal pasts and reconnections, mainly through Sam’s interactions with Katherine (Hillary Baack,) his high school friend. Their relationship, imbued with nostalgia and unspoken regret, adds depth to the story. However, the film leaves their shared backstory somewhat in the shadows; I wanted to know more; personally, an entire movie of their history would have been incredible.

Page's performance is pivotal, driving the film’s narrative and marking a significant point in his acting career. His depiction of Sam, filled with vulnerability and palpable resilience, serves as the anchor for the movie, delivering a powerful and relatable story. This role further emphasizes his dedication to bringing the world stories that resonate.

CLOSE TO YOU utilizes a handheld, documentary-style filming technique that enhances the intimacy of its storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a small town during winter, the film echoes its protagonist's internal isolation and turmoil, complemented by a minimalist soundtrack that underscores the reflective mood of the narrative.

The only struggle I found was that the film occasionally bites off more than it can chew, attempting to juggle multiple themes and dynamics without entirely tying them together. This approach sometimes leaves the narrative feeling fragmented, more a collection of scenes than a seamless story. While this method reflects the messy realities of life, it may also lead to some dissatisfaction among viewers looking for a more resolved and comprehensive understanding of the characters and their journeys.

CLOSE TO YOU is a quietly powerful film that delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of human relationships. It challenges clichés and offers a thoughtful, subdued portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals grappling with their identities and family. This film is a compelling addition to the landscape of modern cinema, advocating for empathy and nuanced storytelling.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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