More Awards-worthy talking this week with this rumination on life after tragedy and horror. Which might not sound exactly fun but hey, not all our films can be about lesbian mermaids, unfortunately.
In other news it’s colder than a witch’s tit around these parts so all I want to do is pad around in extra-woolly socks, watching films and shrugging to myself as all the amazing, life-changing activities I was supposed to be doing by now slip through my fingers. I’ll start anew on the 1st Feb, okay? Jesus, get off my back Mum.
Causeway
Directed by: Lila Neugebauer
United States, 2022
Drama
Runtime: 92 minutes
Synopsis:
A US soldier suffers a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Afghanistan and struggles to adjust to life back home.
*Minor spoilers*
Following a brain injury gained on tour in Afghanistan, U.S. soldier Lynsey (Lawrence) is propelled back to her home town of New Orleans to heal, both physically and mentally. Eager to redeploy and get back on the saddle ASAP, she struggles to adjust to ‘normal’ life – which includes a strained relationship with her ma, and an incarcerated brother.
But wait, what light through yonder window breaks? Mechanic James (Tyree-Henry) appears in Lynsey’s life at just the right time to help her question everything – namely why she’s so keen to avoid her problems. Since he’s also suffered unimaginable trauma, who better to challenge and comfort her?
If this preamble seems light on its feet that’s because it is really. Lynsey spends her days cleaning pools and trying to convince her doctor to sign her off so she can return to the front line. While her scars and head heal, Dr. Lucas (Stephen McKinley Henderson) tries to make her understand the deeper meaning of what she’s been through. Meanwhile, James carries the heavy burden of guilt as he knocks about his former family home alone.
Could this friendship mutually serve them, despite their vastly different experiences – even when a few unpleasant home truths work their way to the surface?
This is a slow mover but boasts heavy duty performances from its leads, so it’s never boring. There’s a lot of brooding and deep, painful conversation which isn’t always comfortable but trauma isn’t comfortable and neither is the truth.
I appreciate massively the anti-romance of this pairing, while there is a kiss, the friendship is purely platonic and all the more satisfying for it. It feels authentic and I enjoyed the gentle chemistry between Jen and Brian, who I would marry myself in a New York minute.
Obviously there’s a lot being said about purpose and regret, of continuously running and facing up to the demons that drive us away – but there’s also hope. And I enjoyed it.
My rating
3.5/5
What did Jill think of Causeway? Would she leave it out in the cold or stay and make a home with it? Find out here.
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