Review of Wakefield (2017) by Wes I — 27 Jul 2017

Not a mystery or thriller...which makes this "missing person" story rather unusual to begin with.

Howard Wakefield is (by his own admission) a competitive man. But over the course of his life, during which he has become a successful attorney, married to an attractive woman, and a Father of two daughters, something has gone missing. He no longer fancies his wife as before (he begins imagining things about her which fuels his desire for her, but not in a good way) feels estranged from his children, and his own endless pursuit of...whatever.

One night as his hum-drum train ride home comes to a halt during a power failure, he suddenly decides to check out...literally, and figuratively. "What is my wife and family doing, right this minute? What are they up to...how long can I not show back up, before they miss me?".

With increasing nerve and verve, Howard takes up residence in his own garage, separate from the main house, and spies on his family through the top window...a quiet observer of the comings and goings in his own house, and neighborhood. What begins as an exercise for just one night, or perhaps 24 hours, becomes an obsession. Howard can't bring himself to make himself known again, as he feels he's tapped into something extraordinary.

Now all this might sound rather dark, morbid, sinister...but this film isn't of that ilk. If anything, "Wakefield" plays like a fantasy black-comedy, and segues over time into a rather poignant meditation on life outside of the rat-race.

There are heavy-handed moments, to be sure. And as several have pointed out, this film plays out in less than a year's time, but Howard begins to resemble the reclusive and paranoid version of Howard Hughes fairly quickly. And perhaps his choice of lifestyle is made to look a little too comfortable, in a "Gillgian's Island" kind of way. Scrounged-up food and clothing and necessities (even in well-to-do suburbs) probably isn't this palatable or easy to obtain.

Thus my mention of this film's fantasy elements; it's easier to enjoy this if one doesn't take it too seriously. The anticipation of how this film will end, if Howard will ever return, will feel much more palpable. His travels through the area and the moments of unexpected but pleasant company feel honest enough.

I was rather expecting something with a bit more bite, but as this is simply a tale of someone who goes on a detour of his own making, that makes up for any disappointment on my end. I should note, Howard does not "go mad" as others mention. Nothing "mad" about wanting a change from a life that's leading nowhere, making one feel as if invisible, or not needed at all.

I will dock stars for some rather pointless (and obvious) plot threads...such as the widowed and stereotypical nose-y neighbor, and the smarmy lawyer who tries to ingratiate himself into the life of a vulnerable woman. But there is still much to be entertained by here, for the patient viewer.

Bravo to Mr. Cranston for taking on such an out-of-step role.