The Quiet Chaos of Coming Home

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
We're Not Done Yet
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 22m
Director(s): Sofia Camargo, Joseph Longo
Writer(s): Joseph Longo
Cast: Danny Mastrogiorgio, Barbara Sukowa, Lauren Norvelle, Joseph Longo, Doron JéPaul
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the film, WE'RE NOT DONE YET, the serene setting of a beach house becomes a mirror reflecting the turbulent emotions between Bettina and her son Alex, as captured by directors Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo. Each interaction, whether a simple yoga session or a stroll along the beach, amplifies their growing estrangement, turning peaceful moments into silent battlefields of resentment. This nuanced exploration of strained relations makes every scene a poignant reminder of the distance between intentions and reality.

Bettina, brought to life by Barbara Sukowa, is a mother wrapped in concern that manifests as biting critique. Her son Alex, portrayed by Longo as having a delicate balance of vulnerability and frustration, struggles beneath the weight of her expectations. As they navigate their shared space, the tension escalates, not just with each other but also with new neighbors who unwittingly stir up more profound issues. Bettina’s misplaced curiosity about an infant and a series of missteps not only escalate tensions but also shine a light on her and Alex’s difficulties in navigating social queues, amplifying their inability to connect with the world around them.

Melanie Akoka’s cinematography is a standout. It infuses the film with a grainy nostalgia that perfectly reflects the stagnant relationship. The old-school visual flair juxtaposes sharply with the emotional rawness of Bettina and Alex’s interactions, providing a rich texture that draws viewers deeper into the unfolding drama. This visual storytelling is a window into their souls and a reflective surface for the audience’s familial experiences.

Despite its dramatic core, WE'RE NOT DONE YET incorporates humor that slices through the tension with surgical precision. Bettina’s continual misnaming of the neighbor's child adds a layer of humor that, while light-hearted, also underscores her stubborn nature. Alex’s dry wit offers a glimpse into his coping mechanisms, presenting a relatable character in his flaws and struggles.

The film's minimalist narrative style, characterized by its sparse dialogue and short runtime, might not fulfill the desires of those seeking a more fleshed-out backstory or a neatly tied-up ending. Instead, it focuses on capturing the essence of Bettina and Alex’s fraught interactions, marking their time together as a series of unresolved, episodic encounters that mirror real-life complexities.

WE'RE NOT DONE YET delves into themes of emotional paralysis and the rigid roles often imposed within family structures. Bettina’s inability to recognize Alex as an autonomous adult and his surrender to her overbearing presence form a cycle of dysfunction that stifles growth and perpetuates mutual discontent. The ambiguous ending leaves viewers pondering the potential for change, challenging them to consider the transformative power of understanding and acceptance in their relationships.

This film stands out as a reflective and engaging examination of parental dynamics and the personal evolutions they can obstruct. Set against a backdrop that blends dramatic tension with comedic relief, Camargo and Longo’s creation offers a unique viewing experience that encourages audiences to confront and contemplate the invisible chains of familial expectations and personal history.

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[photo courtesy of SHORELIGHT PICTURES]

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