PERSON TO PERSON (2017)

Written, Edited & Directed By: Dustin Guy Defa 
Cinematography By: Ashley Connor 


Cast: Bene Coopersmith, Michael Cera, Abbi Jacobson, Philip Baker Hall, Michaela Watkins, Tavi Gevinson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Buddy Durress, Benny Safdie, George Sample III, Eleonore Hendricks, Brian Tyree Henry, Olivia Luccardi 


Follows a variety of New York characters as they navigate personal relationships and unexpected problems over the course of one day.

Living up to it’s title. Just as when you read a collection of short stories from a writer. There are going. To be some stories that aren't as good as others to you, but there is usually something about the story that keeps you interested. Something in there that you can see why they wrote the story. It is the same here.

The film starts off slow that it actually feels boring and you might feel ready to check out. As it feels like cliches and characters you have seen before. Happily as it goes along the film get's more interesting and funny. Until it develops into some charm. As the characters begin to become more distinct and not just caricatures or means to an end.

Not much happens, but we see in vignettes that connect how exactly they influence one another. It just seems more of a social movie top see characters in their elements and how they deal with certain absurdities and hardships

Not all stories are resolved. It hey are meaningful and have an ending. As the film takes place all in one day.

The film provides the audience with one of a kind New York characters with original yet familiar looks and personalities. Like a woody Allen film with no central character though Bene Coopersmith's character come the closest as a classic jazz record aficionado and nebbish though the most clear headed character. All the while obsessing throughout the film about a shirt. His bike chase scene is a comedic highlight.

When it comes to the stories we also have Bene's best friend Ray whose story is he has been staying with him after breaking up with his girlfriend who was cheating and posting her nude photos in retaliation. He is unemployed and on the run from her brothers who are hunting him down. Though his act is loathsome the film presents him and the situation as a bit sympathetic.

Then there is Abbi Jacobson as a struggling journalist on her first assignment and learning the ropes and seeing if she has the stomach and skills. With Michael Cera as her supervisor tries to show her the ropes while she has to endure his heavy metal fandom. As she seems to prove to be bad luck for the woman she is trailing.

There is also Tavi Genvison as a teen and her story of friendship and an attraction to the opposite sex. Seems more average, though she has the comic timing and delivery more of a comedian. She does manage to be in the drama later in her scenes. As also the comedy in her scenes feel the most scripted though comes off eventually natural. When the film becomes more comfortable with itself and not as controlled, Just like the character.

There are other stories but these are the ones who stand out and seem to serve as the films foundation.

Each character is an addition to the puzzle that wouldn't feel complete or full without each of them.

The film feels full of humanity. It's not as aimed as some other films that are similar In style. As this film feels more like it sits and simmers. Though by the end it feels more like a snack or salad rather than a full meal.

It more seduces you, as at first you might be ready to turn the film off.

The film seems more like a quirky slice of life. Almost in the same mood from 90's indie cinema. As it is breezy and enjoyable yet slips any serious issues.

The film isn't necessarily a must see, but somewhat enjoyable as long as you are in the mood for it. It has an old school charm like seeing regulars in a dive bar or people you meet in the park and have interesting little stories to tell.

Grade: C+