TRIBECA FILM FEST 2014: IN YOUR EYES
It seems as every year goes by, Writer/Director/King of the Slayers Joss Whedon creates a project that further separates him from the pack. His consistent originality and desire to create new and fresh ideas is a wonderful thing to witness. At Tribeca this week, we are witnessing the latest tease from the Whedonverse, the surprisingly gripping comedy with romance IN YOUR EYES. At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to a group of kids amidst some sunny weather. They’re teasing each other and in the middle of a school day. Then there’s a young girl sledding in some very snowy weather. As she slides down the hill, heading straight for a tree, the boy thousands of miles away is somehow affected, connected to her in a way he doesn’t know. Years later the two, now grown, are dealing with their everyday lives very differently. Zoe Kazan’s Rebecca is now a young, timid woman married to a bullish doctor (Mark Feuerstein) in New Hampshire. Then there’s Dylan (Michael Stahl-David), who’s charismatic, funny, and currently on parole trying. He’s trying to rebuild his life working at a car wash, and frequently is getting visits from his ex-con buddies, as they attempt to lure him into more trouble. Zoe and Dylan knows that there’s something different about them. They’ve “seen” things they can’t explain. They’ve always known that something is odd in their world, but could never explain it. And then suddenly one day their lives are thrust together, suddenly and surprisingly. They are indeed connected, but how, and how do they deal with it from here? To give away any more would spoil the sweet pleasures of the film.
Director Brin Hill presents a wonderful vision from Whedon’s screenplay. It’s unusual and different, directed with finesse and a surprising amount of tension. It’s beautifully funny, touching, and wholly original without every becoming coy or cheesy. A large amount of this we can thank the cast for; Zoe Kazan (who appeared in last year’s charming romance The Pretty One) is luminous in her starring role here, easily pulling you into her fragile world that’s suddenly changing around her. Michael Stahl-David is equally as strong in his role of an ex-con who suddenly has something to try and hold onto. Their chemistry, even when not in the same room, is palpable. And they both handle Whedon’s quirky dialogue with ease. Surprisingly, Whedon announced at the fest that the film will premiere IMMEDIATELY on demand via Vimeo’s On Demand service, so if you can’t make it to a screening, you can watch it within the comfort of your home. In Your Eyes is a sweet and tender spin on romance between people miles and miles apart, perfectly capturing every crowd from the Nicholas Sparks crowd to Whedon-ites to those who simply want a film that feels “new.” This certainly fits the bill.
VERDICT: MUST SEE
Written By: Joss Whedon Directed By: Brin Hill Starring: Zoe Kazan, Michael Stahl-David, Nikki Reed, Mark Feuerstein, Steve Harris, Jennifer Grey. For Tribeca Screenings and more info: TICKETS
BOTTOM LINE: Head over to Tribeca right away, or rent it online at http://inyoureyesmovie.com/ for only $5.00! Ridiculously enchanting.