Last September (2008)

Directed by Chapin Hemmingway
Starring: Jeremy Fiske

Yes, I am writing a review for Last September. Considering the fact that everytime I get together with Chapin, this movie is one of the handful of things we discuss, there's very little that hasn't already been said, but I'll procede regardless.

Last September has its flaws, none of which are fatal flaws. It also has its strengths, none of which make this movie great. The most important thing, however, is that the strengths outweigh the flaws, and that they do.

The story surrounds Mitchell, a young man stricken with confusion over his relationships after the death of his mother. He has only three relationships now. I'm not suggesting that the film should have delved deeper into the people he's known all his life but because there are only three and because this story's conflicts are created through his relationships, they need to be finely tuned.

The first relationship we are exposed to is with his girlfriend Claire. All we get is an exchange of eye contact. It works. We see that the relationship exists and we move on, a perfect opening. Then we are introduced to Tim, Mitchell's estranged friend who has finally made it back to pay his respects. They exchange a hug and decide to go some place to talk. Their relationship is established. Next we meet Mitchell's Dad, who's understandably is distant, he has just lost his wife, but he's distant from Mitchell. Why? Now would be a time for them to connect, but they don't, in fact they never really do which leaves us wondering why a relationship is introduced and not explored.

Mitchell's relationship with his Dad is easily forgotton however as the more important of the three relationships are those with Claire and Tim. Those relationships are what really shape the story into what it is. What it really comes down to is that Mitchell and Tim were great friends until Claire got in the mix. Without giving anything away, I'll say that its clear where the tension between the two comes from. What isn't clear is what that tension took away.

There's no backstory. There's very little reminicing. There's really nothing to suggest that Mitchell and Tim were ever friends at all. Its this that really makes the story struggle. At some points, its easy to dismiss this mystery but at others, its impossible to keep from wondering why these two very different people have any interest in spending time together.

The reason this movie doesn't fail however is in large part due to the performances. Fiske plays the confused, tormented character so well that that becomes his excuse for spending time with Tim (Drew Fletcher). Fletcher does a such a great job of hiding his guilt by presenting superficials to Mitchell that we're convince he does it to help him forget his troubles... its the only thing Tim knows what to do.

Overall, Last September is a quality film. The story, performances and visuals are all very compelling and engaging and the flaws of the film are minor.

***