A Hollywood garden party unearths certain truths
Writer/director Nadia Conners earns a seat at the table with her first narrative feature, which tells the story of an acclaimed stage actress turned Hollywood housewife and mother. Her choices, marriage, and relationship to the industry all go under a wide-angle microscope inand husband of Conners) are hosting a garden party in their spacious Hollywood Hills home.
The party is clearly important to each of them, but in different ways. Sammy, a Hollywood agent, wants to use the occasion to sway his coked-out top client Gerald to agree to a new offer, and impress the actors he also hopes to snag in the deal: Hollywood star Lucian and ingénue Delia . In the meantime, Rose has been prepping the house since she leapt out of bed in the morning, while also rueing the relentless aging of her face and tending to her young son.
Preparations are still underway when Helen , a befuddled elderly woman, pulls into the home’s driveway and insists that this is where she lives. Wearing nothing but a slip and oversized sweater, Rose tries to help Helen and brings her inside.
Conner’s dialog and images are succinct and well-crafted, and enough good things cannot be said of this spectacular cast who bring their characters to life with precision and intriguing fascination. Infused with a comic lightness, this is not a purely dramatic situation despite its dark undercurrents. The pacing of the film lags in a few spots but it’s not enough to sink the enterprise.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SXSW Film Review: The HobbySetting the table for a new era of board gamers
Read more »
SXSW Film Review: OddityA wickedly fun blend of melodrama and horror
Read more »
SXSW Film Review: StormyDoc explores life in the eye of Hurricane Trump
Read more »
SXSW Film Review: A House Is Not a DiscoPortrait of the Pines on Fire Island moves and shakes
Read more »
SXSW Film Review: We Were DangerousReform-school girls break the rules
Read more »
SXSW Film Review: MamiferaAt 40, Lola navigates unexpected pregnancy and decisions
Read more »