Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy

Screening Saturday September 27th at 9:30 and Sunday September 28th : 3:15

I’m hesitant to say much more about Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy than SEE IT. I’m still trying to settle the film down inside of me but will try to give you all a small taste (more later!)

It’s a simple film but rich in it’s depiction of American life and of keeping calm while trying to move forward even as problems are enveloping you.

The plot, to keep it basic, revolves around Wendy, a twenty something woman and Lucy, her dog.   They find themselves in Oregon, living in a car and making their way to Alaska - in hope of a better life.   In the particular Oregon town we meet them in, Wendy and Lucy run into some small but devastating complications.

Michelle Williams as Wendy in Wendy and Lucy (Photo Credit: Oscilloscope / FSLC)

Michelle Williams is at her best as Wendy and keeps her character’s emotions so bottled up that you yourself want to scream to help her out.   Her attempts to keep moving, to keep her mind on the simple task ahead paint a very different portrait of American hardship than most films.  

We so often see the folks that are failing to make it in society as slightly crazy, lazy or just bad people.   Here we have a woman who is in many ways trying her best and society for the most part simply isn’t helping out.

It’s a beautiful slow film - you have to settle into it, but once you do the rewards are endless.

Lucy as Lucy in Wendy and Lucy (Photo Credit: Oscilloscope / FSLC)

takepart with the ASPCA (after all the film is also about a dog..) and if you’re in NYC do check this one out.

Read on:

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