Directed By: Ethan Coen
Written By: Ethan Coen & Tricia Cooke
Cinematography: Ari Wegner
Editor: Tricia Cooke and Emily Denker
Cast: Margaret Qualley, Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Lera Abova, Billy Eichner, Talia Ryder, Kristin Connolly, Jacnier
A dark comedy about small-town private investigator Honey O'Donahue, who delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.
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When it comes to this film’s plot. One can understand like their last collaboration DRIVE AWAY DOLLS. Writer Directors Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke. Like to have multiple narratives going on all at once that run parallel to each other even if just in theme and eventually run into or connect at certain points. That seems like it will be the big payoff. Here the themes are there but everything feels like a near miss.
Feels a bit exploitive as it seems more interested in showing a lesbian sexual relationship than anything else. Rather then story or plot and put it in there haphazardly so that it feels random
Even though it might be that the main Character is interesting and this has bits and pieces especially with the characters. that could have been more of a small town mystery but plays more sporadically and you wonder where it is going and how it will all tie together that you feel like you are floating through it all waiting for some kind of direction other then Suggestions
Starring the director’s muse Margaret Qualley Whitney’s to play the most interesting character and gets the most range
Of course the film has a heavy feminist feel which there is nothing wrong with but it seems to pile it on after awhile rather then necessarily subtle
It has a supporting cast of recognizable names that are here but given very little to do except play small exaggerations and somewhat central to the plot but feel more like stunt casting to add more reverence to the rather thin material. As the characters seem interesting but are in search of a better story and meaning. As next to qualley the only actor who really makes the most of their screen time is Lena Abrova as the mysterious cheer
Wonder if this is a way for the filmmakers to add sex and sexuality back into films that seems to be lost or unused in modern cinema but truly it isn’t erotic but more sloppy and matter of fsct
There is now doubt that Ethan Coen can do quirky and can do the same with characters, but there needs to be some kind of meaning and consideration for the audience. As this film while silly and quirky does come out feeling self indulgent and like only the filmmakers are the only ones. It only entertained but also seem to care
As this film feels more like a lark, more like an extended episode rather then truly a whole film
By the time we get to the entrance walls revealed it seems rather random or much ado about it nothing and all just coincidence and interlocked and it plays more comedic then it should more like a from a John waters film
The film has its moments but doesn’t add up to making the film feel worth it.
Grade: C-
