Review of Coming Through the Rye (2016) by Don S — 26 Apr 2016

With full disclosure, this very writer is an absolute sucker for a satisfying "coming-of-age" film. Their youthful themes keep us young and sway our sensibilities to reflect on our own lives, no matter our age. Admirable coming-of-age films are always welcome, but the exceptional ones deserve to get shouted from the mountaintops. James Sadwith's "Coming Through the Rye" recently won Best Film and Best Screenplay honors at the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival. This infatuating dramedy earns that special distinction of exceptionality and warrants all of the volume one can muster.

"Coming Through the Rye" exudes a polish and a vibe that defines the film's wit and tone. Cinematographer Eric Hurt moves his camera with both intimacy and distance to suit any scene. Encapsulating an outward voice all its own, the film boats a dynamite soundtrack of original songs from composer Heath MacNease and songwriter Jay Nash. Through every decision and creative step, the film speaks volumes and rises above the overplayed tropes that keep most coming-of-age-films from being exceptional.

We all know the real beauty is in the journey, not in the objective. "Coming Through the Rye" epitomizes that expression and offers a noteworthy pair to share the passenger seats of a Rambler compact through the fall colors of New England. Alex Wolff and Stefania Owens completely capture your hearts with such charm. Both are two legitimate teen performers, not twenty-something trying to play younger. For lack of a better term, they completely feel, well, "real" in that regard. Their chemistry is sweetly disarming through Jamie's highs and lows.

Be prepared to bow at the genius of Alex Wolff. His layered advancement as Jamie is what earns this film a large part of its deserved respect. Wolff shows immense talent greater than the mere glimpses seen in his supporting commercial roles, like his high school boyfriend bit part in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2." Alex wholly succeeds presenting the character shadings to carry the Holden Caulfield likenesses within Jamie, be it handling bullying, questions of sexuality, jealousy, emotional distress, frustration, anger, love and loss. Pay attention to that young man.

The matching substantial effort to the success of "Coming Through the Rye" is the grounded filmmaking of James Sadwith, in his feature screenwriting and directing debut. He deftly merges the sensible and the sensitive with challenging reality when it comes to the film's range of emotions. He calibrates an honesty to support the whimsical humor and tone. He chooses the right moments to push and the right moments to celebrate, using layers of beautiful simplicity and nuance from his performers. One might think a film like this is riding the coattails of Salinger. On the contrary, "Coming Through the Rye" is a satisfying and inspirational experience in its own right.