"Long Way Back" 

A Review of "Weirdos" by Nathan H. Box

Director: Bruce McDonald, Writer: Daniel MacIvor, Starring: Dylan Authors, Rhys Bevan-John, Francine Deschepper

Rating: 3 Stars, STREAM! 

For my 14th film of the 43rd Annual Seattle International Film Festival, I wanted to try something experimental. "Weirdos" focuses on the adventures of Kit and his girlfriend, Alice. The year is 1976 and both of our stars have run away from home with the hope of making it to the coast of Canada. Kit is on a mission to reunite with his biological mother and start his life anew. 

At first, Kit and Alice come across as rebel teenagers. They smoke, drink, and are thinking about having sex. Both are trying to escape what they perceive to be a dull life in exchange for something more artistic. The director and cinematographer give a nod to these avant-garde hopes by shooting the entire movie in black and white; which to me was a brilliant choice. 

As the journey continues for our two teenagers, we discover our teens aren't in as love as we might think. Instead, like most teens, they possess a willingness to give up too quickly and move onto something better. At this point in the film, this is an important lesson to learn. While I won't give away the big reveal, I will say it changes the entire course of the movie. It also leaves a lingering question to be answered during the rest of the film about what it means to be lucky versus unlucky. 

Toward the end of the film, Kit and Alice finally meet Kit's mom. She is a woman lost in art living in a shared space. We discover she is ill-equipped to be a parent because of her mental health. Here, our stars must make a choice. Do the venture home or do the stay? Again, I won't give anything away, but I will say the decision isn't easy and it's always a long way back home. 

This wasn't my favorite film of the festival but it wasn't the worst I saw either. It is an average movie with a plot that is relevant today. Movies focused on teenagers always seem to be about self-discovery. Once upon a time, I was a teenager so I understand the use of theme but I can't help and wonder if there might be a different angle to take for these types of movies. For that, I recommend streaming this movie. It would be great for a Friday night at home. 

Be good to each other, 

-Nathan