Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Kyle A — 01 Nov 2011

Kelly Reichardt's follow up to 2006's "Old Joy" is an instant classic of subtle proportion. I've only had the chance to see Michelle Williams in a few films, and she great in each, but her performance as Wendy Carroll takes the cake. William's portrayal turn's Wendy into a real woman (of course, it would be stupid of me not to acknowledge the amazingly still script, which lets its characters breathe at every moment possible). The plot of the script is simple as simple can be: Wendy, who has very little money, is trying to make her way to Alaska with her dog Lucy. Her car breaks down. Her dog runs away. She spends the rest of the movie trying to solve both problems.

It's simple, and sounds like a boring train-wreck waiting to happen... but it's not. Director Kelly Reichard builds a smart story, making each valley within the film seem devastating. Life is an unforgiving pain in the ass for Wendy at times. Those around her understand that, and while they're helpful and forgiving (for the most part), it doesn't stop Wendy from having to grasp at everything she's got/and has lost.