Review of Please Give (2010) by Darcy L — 12 Nov 2010

File under the life imitates art category and you are halfway to understanding and appreciating this subtle yet moving indie treat. Please Giv) and the strong ensemble of quirky actors take a Woody Allen-esque script and slowly creep up on you with a tender and fully realized film that is part slice of life and part meditation on the frailty of societal relations. The script is not afraid to be awkward and ugly, much like life itself. The plot is simple; an eccentric couple who deal in used furniture are waiting for their aging neighbour to pass on so they can buy her apartment (and perhaps it's contents) to expand their own empire. These are not mean or nasty people (Catherine Keener's character is the film's moral center constantly handing out money to street people) but pretty soon the lives of these apartment dwellers begin to mesh uncomfortably, with the two daughters of said elderly neighbour. To say more would spoil the film but the result is an interesting character piece as the talented actors play real life sketches of people resembling you or I, warts and all.

The subtle humor and nuance of each complex individual endears you to their collective angst. As the lives of these interconnected folks plays out, there is a real sense that this story will continue after the credits roll. The lack of finality, resolution or even major conflict, allows the viewer to bask in the absurdity of people. The film is clearly commenting on ideas around compassion, altruism and the true value of real estate in Manhattan.You hardly even notice the writing, which is top notch and to date, the writer/directors most astute work. You also hardly notice this is a movie at all because it all feels so normal and the tone naturalistic and real. As it ends, you wish it hadn't.