2005, USA
Drama, Romance
Childhood memories can take one back to a simpler time, when decisions were not so life-altering and the biggest conundrum of the day involved which flavor of Kool-Aid to make. But as age progresses, marriage steps into the forefront and the reality of a steady career must take precedence. It is at this time that it is easier to focus on the memories that soothe than battle the demons of adulthood.
Josh (actor/writer Mark Duplass) has purchased such temporary mental peace over eBay in the form of a giant, purple chair similar to one that adorned his childhood home. His well-planned quest involves taking a solo road trip in order to pick up said chair and delivering it cross-country to his father for his birthday. But no true quest comes without distractions, and he finds himself driving a van down South with his frustrated girlfriend, flighty brother and a chair stuffed with bad mojo.
Girlfriend Emily (Kathryn Aselton) has decided the mission for the trip is to patch up their fragile relationship, while brother Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) wishes to reconnect with their father. With no one focusing on the same goal, everyone is bumping heads and failing to communicate. Emily realizes the boys both lack commitment, though one dives into love as impetuously as he severs it, and the other drags it out with no ultimate destination.
Though all faces of Josh are revealed, there seems to be little explanation for his rougher qualities. Meeting his father almost becomes a disappointment, as it is expected that traits would be shared amongst genes. And though his father's view of romance explains a bit of the brothers' relationship behavior, there is no good source for Josh's anger aside from the general frustrations of adulthood. His threats seem rather severe for mere growing pains, and clues from a more detailed backstory would have been appreciated.
This is a simple film, simply done. The actors were given leeway to improvise around a set story line, and the cinematography is uncomplicated and occasionally jumpy. But it is nice to have a film that focuses on story rather than special effects and that allows its characters to breathe and evolve. For a feature-length freshman effort, the Duplass brothers (Jay Duplass directed) succeeded in creating a tale that is both relatable and interesting.
Extras on the DVD include a self-interview by the Duplass brothers, who reflect upon popular Q&A questions. Also included is a nice commentary track by the brothers, deleted scenes, outtakes and vlog promos. Short films consist of the one that got them Sundance attention, "This is John," about a dismally devolving session with an answering machine. Earlier shorts include the lesser "Scrapple," about a board game that becomes physical, and "Intervention," about friends who question another friend's truthfulness.