I wasn't expecting anything, considering that several indie dramas have left me a little disappointed lately. But Expired proved much better than I expected.
For one, the story both flows well (if a little slowly for some) and benefits from a sincere treatment, without any fluff. The two main characters, as odd and bizarre as they might look, strengthen the genuineness of the experience. The words coming out of their mouths feeling like words, not scripted lines. Of course, many will say both characters are extremely odd but anyone who has worked in social services, or known someone who did, will know about such oddities and such relationships. Before I continue I must commend both leads for their performances. Samantha Morto and Jason Patric are two actors that never disappoint and here, they really shine and give the movie the extra boost that makes it worth several viewings.
Where the movie can strike particularly hard is that, while their issues are extreme and both are at the tip end of the scale, so to speak, you'll still be able to recognize shades of these attitudes in your everyday life. Might be some friends, some coworkers, family members. It might not be that extreme. It might not be extreme at all, but Jay's way of dealing with insecurity and ineptitude will resonate with many. His preemtive defensiveness is a trait we too often see, even in gentler, kinder persons. Likewise, Claire's lethargic nature, her passivity (flaws that are hindering her life before she even meet Jay), will also strike a chord with many. The story does a good job showing us that Jay didn't have to set any elaborate trap or masquerading himself as something he's not.
Their flaws is what makes them "compatible" (in a very sad sort of way) with each others. And Cecilia Miniucchi's story and direction really depict that very well. In fact, it's almost perfect until the last 10 or 15 minutes. What has prevented me from giving this movie a near perfect score of 9 is what I feel was a slightly easy way out for the resolution. I just didn't buy the drastic turn of event.
Nonetheless, this movie gives food for thoughts. It is very much a study not just of (flawed) relationships but also a great character study. In fact, I felt it was more successful in that respect than many movies that have received more praise, like the pretty good Half Nelson.
I look forward to Cecilia Miniucchi's next film. Job very well done!
For one, the story both flows well (if a little slowly for some) and benefits from a sincere treatment, without any fluff. The two main characters, as odd and bizarre as they might look, strengthen the genuineness of the experience. The words coming out of their mouths feeling like words, not scripted lines. Of course, many will say both characters are extremely odd but anyone who has worked in social services, or known someone who did, will know about such oddities and such relationships. Before I continue I must commend both leads for their performances. Samantha Morto and Jason Patric are two actors that never disappoint and here, they really shine and give the movie the extra boost that makes it worth several viewings.
Where the movie can strike particularly hard is that, while their issues are extreme and both are at the tip end of the scale, so to speak, you'll still be able to recognize shades of these attitudes in your everyday life. Might be some friends, some coworkers, family members. It might not be that extreme. It might not be extreme at all, but Jay's way of dealing with insecurity and ineptitude will resonate with many. His preemtive defensiveness is a trait we too often see, even in gentler, kinder persons. Likewise, Claire's lethargic nature, her passivity (flaws that are hindering her life before she even meet Jay), will also strike a chord with many. The story does a good job showing us that Jay didn't have to set any elaborate trap or masquerading himself as something he's not.
Their flaws is what makes them "compatible" (in a very sad sort of way) with each others. And Cecilia Miniucchi's story and direction really depict that very well. In fact, it's almost perfect until the last 10 or 15 minutes. What has prevented me from giving this movie a near perfect score of 9 is what I feel was a slightly easy way out for the resolution. I just didn't buy the drastic turn of event.
Nonetheless, this movie gives food for thoughts. It is very much a study not just of (flawed) relationships but also a great character study. In fact, I felt it was more successful in that respect than many movies that have received more praise, like the pretty good Half Nelson.
I look forward to Cecilia Miniucchi's next film. Job very well done!