Indie Film Review “Nothing Solid” Stomach ailments and the trials of adulthood, self-worth come together with humor and a dramatic heart
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
You know, that just makes me sick! Heard this phrase before, right? Typically heard in the context of being subjected to hearing or seeing something that is abhorrent to us, it could be argued these days there’s a little TOO much happening around the world that warrants such an exclamation. However, let’s put this in a different way. What might happen if someone had a condition where almost ANY situation that involves stress or anxiety literally causes them to BE sick?
Twenty-five year old Nikki (Sharisse Zeroonian) is anything BUT settled at this time…in more ways than one. Finally choosing to move out of her parent’s Ani and Haig’s home (Louise Mara & James J. LaBonte), Nikki soon begins to notice that her inward issues are taking on one particularly…nauseating…direction that, needless to say, isn’t remotely convenient to manage. Even as she tries to, reluctantly, face her demons, can she truly discover the answers and relief from her initially unknown ailment….much less her own innate, painfully self-deprecating attitudes?
Next, my Mind:
Self-awareness, the genuine hardships of having to fight for our identity both mentally and physically, and having the fortitude to step forward in a manner that has never been completely comfortable for us all form the foundational basis for this 105-minute indie feature film that arrives courtesy of writer/director/editor Sharisse Zeroonian that serves up what this critic felt as more of a dramedy than straight-up comedy as it is billed. Utilizing said humor to temper some of the more serious aspects of the film’s primary messaging, this effort becomes another example of sincere grass roots filmmaking that has always been impressive to me, even when there are admittedly production aspects of the project that are a little rough around the edges. Story has been my main focus in reviewing any film, and therefore I tend to overlook other flaws that may be present for the sake of meaningful and needed tales that address our humanity.
Here, that latter point was certainly the case, though I will say from the start that sound editing issues (mainly a noticeable fluctuation in literal volume) that arise specifically with clear moments of dialogue between characters plus some abrupt and/or choppy scene-to-scene transitions were a little distracting at times as far as the ebb and flow of the film’s pacing. But, again, these are things that can be corrected going forward, and if anything, it only makes me anticipate (ideally) seeing future work by Zeroonian & Company in order to witness what is so imperative and exciting about watching indie film….GROWTH and development of their craft. It is hard enough, even IN this digital day and age of iPhone shot films et al, to even MAKE a movie, much less put everything together in a cohesive manner and then share it with the world to be judged. That takes passion, fearlessness, and steadfast belief in what you are wishing to achieve, which I firmly believe Zeroonian possesses. STAY THE COURSE!
Here, the narrative finds us immersed into the fractured reality of a young 25-year old woman who must foray into the deepest parts of her own self-image, a disheartening and (at first) veiled illness, the perceptions (real and imagined) of what others feel about her, and broken familial connections that ALL must be healed in order for her to finally realize actual peace and contentment WITH who she is and can be. Frankly, this is a reality, in varying forms of course, that far too many people face in life, and hence it makes the thematic explorations here that much more relevant, applicable, compelling, and (yes, a favorite word of mind with such narratives) NECESSARY. Regardless of how uncomplicated the presentation of a film itself may look on the surface, it is the acknowledgment of these types of struggles depicted, again both mentally and physically, that is what’s most important to pick up on, contemplate, and soak in.
It’s a sweeping portrait of life, really, and the ability to navigate it in more healthy ways across the board, even when we CAN so often get in our OWN way while others around us are attempting to be the kind of support we need to make it through and come to the revelations that turn our difficulties around. I felt this concept is astutely showcased along with a myriad of associated themes centered on the effects of change leading to stress, anxiety, and altered habits (not usually for the good), how we deflect from our addressing our troubles with humor, recognizing childhood history and its impact on us, nervous reactions, scattered thinking, being on our own, the need to please people, how we can make things worse for no reason, diving into things too quickly even when with good intent, needing to have better emotional maturity, things that trigger us, resistance to accepting help and being vulnerable, and APPLYING what we learn all get screen time here.
I could appreciate how the narrative ultimately comes to its conclusion, with a satisfying sense of completion and heartening magnitude of hope. The only other thing I feel I personally would point out is that MAYBE the overall effort could have been about 15 minutes shorter, perhaps, and still successfully carry the weight of purpose we see? Food for thought, and of course just my opinion. As happens a lot within the independent realms, a director steps out from behind the camera to also be in front of it, as is the case with Zeroonian via her lead role as Nikki, a young woman swiftly realizing that life is, well, more than filled with its hurdles. Encountering a highly unsettled state of physical illness as she tries her best to stare down a multitude of equally unsettling actualities about her life, who is in it, what is being thrown at her, and the essential need for her to overcome the hopelessness she has allowed to consume her, Nikki is nothing less than overwhelmed.
Yet, as she strives to see a better path forward, things slowly begin to get revealed and could spell the liberation from her plight that is so desperately requisite to allow her to do the ONE thing that sums up her desires….LIVE. I fully adored Zeroonian’s approach, as the awkwardness, un-assuredness, disheveled, sometimes uncaring, other times endearing, wholly transparent demeanor Nikki possesses and walks through IS simply so HUMAN and more natural in many respects, making us feel like we’re seeing a real life person as opposed to a fictional character. It makes the overall story seem accessible. Primary supporting roles first arrive from Louise Mara as Ani, Nikki’s mother who is there for her, yet likewise tends to be overly critical as well, causing the unease Nikki must find a way to rectify.
James J. LaBonte is Haig, Nikki’s father who is also so utterly fault-finding and at first unwilling to remotely accept his role in his daughter’s stormy childhood and the lasting impact it ended up having on her, another relationship Nikki must heal. Russell J. Gannon is Dr. Miller, the psychiatrist Nikki gets guided to whom becomes the real sounding board for all her phobias and questioning of self worth while also being that voice of reason that challenges her to rethink and reassess herself in more, hopefully, healthy manners. Roderick Wilmore is Jack, a longstanding neighbor and friend of the family who tries his best to be a voice of encouragement for Nikki as well as a comedic foil at times. Julie Destefano is Tamar, Nikki’s best friend from work who likewise does everything she can to at least TRY and get a neurotic Nikki to just get help, and a hold of herself.
Additional supporting roles come through Jacqui Denski, Rick Dumont, Logan Raposo, Matt Simonelli, Angela Hurley, Kayla Kohla, Caren Lioce, Wesley Ortiz, Brett Marynn Wulfson, Marvin Novogrodski, Alex Jordan, Effy Banks, David L. Vincent, Leo Hernandez, Cynthia Clancy, Betty Ovian Smith, Sue Herbert, and Brittany Friedman. As I also often believe, NO small parts in a film. Hence, “Congratulations” to all involved on screen. You ARE noticed! So, in total, “Nothing Solid”, along with its clever title, is a down-home indie film addressing seriously crucial topics, finding the means to tackle it all with humor yet not sacrificing the grander gravity of the illness in question nor the importance of mental wellness, raising awareness along the way. Give it a shot, be willing to look past some of its production flaws, and let the messages instead resonate within. We ALL need help in some form, and any film willing to display this is a winner in my book.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
