Kelly Reichardt's ("Old Joy") new film holds our interest for its 80 running minutes thanks to Michelle Williams's captivating performance.
The story of Wendy (Williams), who hits the road with her dog Lucy intending to get to Alaska and start a new life, is too vague and minimalist to work as a feature. As a character study, it's underwritten; as a social commentary on our current crisis, it's too shallow and naïve. Had Reichardt gone deeper into any of these directions, her movie would be much more interesting; the way it is, it feels like one of those shorts that went on for too long when they could've been more concise. Maverick filmmaker Todd Haynes ("Velvet Goldmine", "Far from Heaven", "I'm Not There.") and the promising Phil Morrison (director of the sublime "Junebug") are some of the movie's producers, which shows Reichardt has her own admirers. Let's just hope that, next time, she finishes her job. 5.5/10.
The story of Wendy (Williams), who hits the road with her dog Lucy intending to get to Alaska and start a new life, is too vague and minimalist to work as a feature. As a character study, it's underwritten; as a social commentary on our current crisis, it's too shallow and naïve. Had Reichardt gone deeper into any of these directions, her movie would be much more interesting; the way it is, it feels like one of those shorts that went on for too long when they could've been more concise. Maverick filmmaker Todd Haynes ("Velvet Goldmine", "Far from Heaven", "I'm Not There.") and the promising Phil Morrison (director of the sublime "Junebug") are some of the movie's producers, which shows Reichardt has her own admirers. Let's just hope that, next time, she finishes her job. 5.5/10.