This short film takes on the point of a relationship where the spark or connection has gone, but togetherness remains. To prevent that being too dreary, the film opens with a funny example of this separation, which allows the viewer a wry smile, and puts us on the 'side' of the lead character, without turning against her husband. This allows us to stay with her when she makes a new connection with a teenage skateboarder, who teaches her the ropes. This relationship is played very nicely; non-sexual, but with an awkwardness to the development and interaction which convinces.
For the older woman there is the sense that this is her reliving something that went before - and her husband clearly being a frustrated teen suggests that maybe that is where their relationship started, with her once loving his cool musical aspirations. The performances and film keep it only in this space, so even as it develops it doesn't get to sex or more than hunting this spark, and thus it never loses the hope for the main relationship. Balaban in particular is very good, and she is engaging and convincing in the lead.
Simple but heart-felt, and well-judged throughout the film.
For the older woman there is the sense that this is her reliving something that went before - and her husband clearly being a frustrated teen suggests that maybe that is where their relationship started, with her once loving his cool musical aspirations. The performances and film keep it only in this space, so even as it develops it doesn't get to sex or more than hunting this spark, and thus it never loses the hope for the main relationship. Balaban in particular is very good, and she is engaging and convincing in the lead.
Simple but heart-felt, and well-judged throughout the film.
