Review of 20th Century Women (2016) by Wayne K — 13 Sep 2017
Having last witnessed Annette Benings' astonishingly assured performance in The Kids Are Alright, I was optimistic about what she would bring to 20th Century Women. Predictably, she was excellent, as is the rest of the central cast, all of whom play characters full of vulnerability, misguided confidence and a deep sadness.
Lucas Jade Zumann, the child actor playing Benning's son, is a marvel. Shy and awkward but with a willingness to see the world and let it shower over him, not necessarily rebelling against his mother's unorthodox methods but certainly not relating to them.
His reactions always feel authentic, and his emotional development is very organic as a result. The editing is a bit bizarre, with random blurry, fast-motion driving scenes coming out of nowhere more closely resembling a music video, which Director/Writer Mike Mills coincidentally is well-known for making.
It also relies far too heavily on voice-over narration, going the Terrence Malick route of telling us what the characters are feeling instead of allowing it to be revealed through their conversations and expressions.
It has its languid moments, and occasionally suffers from a lack of direction and forward momentum, but the central story is relatable, the performances excellent, the writing and themes touching and heart-warming.
20th Century Women is a great movie. Not a lot wrong with it, but nothing truly ground-breaking. It's worth a watch for sure, but I won't be rushing back to it straight away.
This review of 20th Century Women (2016) was written by Wayne K on 13 Sep 2017.
20th Century Women has generally received very positive reviews.
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