WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Dreams and acts of kindness. Do we see these two concepts going hand in hand, a duality of aspiration and ideal human action that might direct us to better places in our lives? As we hope to aim for being the best versions of ourselves that we can, it is a foregone conclusion that adversity and the unforeseen WILL come along, upending us, and causing us to lose sight of all the good we’ve attempted to maintain. Then, of course, it comes down to HOW we rebound from it. In a lonely area of France, a successful but middle-aged, beleaguered service station owner named Joseph (Karim Boudjahfa) goes about his daily routine while out on the road leading towards him, a younger drifter named Vincent (Jeremy Zocca) has just had his own run-in with blatant apathy. When circumstances occur that bring the men into each other’s circle, what will the outcome be for two weary souls longing for something more out of existence?
Next, my Mind:
Intelligently unambiguous, dramatically impactful, presented with a definitive magnitude of relatability, and conveying a moral that the contemporary world could stand some lessons in, this 11-minute indie short film from French writer/director/co-producer Gabriel Boyer, assistant director Elisa Pedros, and producer Obadia Films is an exercise in making a relevant statement about humanity as straightforwardly as possible while still remaining a wholly adept example of the core passion the independent film community possesses to deliver something completely, undeniably grounded and universally meaningful. There’s just something to be said for what this critic sees AS the ongoing necessity that IS indie cinema, because even with the outwardly deteriorating fabric of our cultural and societal parameters when it comes to the foundational ability to simply take opportunity to FORGIVE and ACKNOWLEDGE one another when at all logically feasible, the tales being weaved through this medium of the film industry keeps on putting it forth in creative yet still awareness-raising manner.
In this film’s case, the narrative takes us into the situations of two men, both at varying points of true transitions in their lives, being brought together by initially tense moments until reason and clearer heads prevail and the resulting altering of mindsets that follows which could redefine everything for them both. What, for me anyway, was the most potent concept here is, both underlying and directly as we see events move ahead, is that IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO REALIZE YOUR DREAMS, have a fresh start, and a revamped perspective on what lies ahead that MIGHT not have otherwise come into our path had we not been open minded enough to embrace constructively confronting problems instead of ONLY reacting and potentially creating further issues. We get so worked up, and mind you even WHEN it is warranted, over things that it’s too easy to immediately act on it with a reciprocating air or choice that is likewise negative rather than taking a breath and REALLY determining what the best course of action ACTUALLY is. We may believe we’ve LOST it all, when in truth, it’s opened the doors to new possibility.
How this gets portrayed in the film is another facet of its writing and direction that I personally applaud because, again, we could ALL take stock of putting ourselves in the position depicted, on either side of the two-person equation shown, and contemplate about how WE would have handled that, much less if we COULD address it as such. Also, as mentioned just a bit ago, the whole portrait of how we dream, see it die away, but then get reminded it ISN’T too far gone to KEEP pursuing is one this critic can really relate to, as in some ways, that mirrors my own struggles but then triumphs in perseverance that this film criticism journey has brought about to date. With the way the film chooses to bring this entire notion up as it pertains to the two men, which was quite smartly done in my opinion, it lends itself to allowing the narrative to sink in more as the viewer, again causing you to THINK about it and, ideally perhaps, APPLY it to our own lives. There’s a well-balanced degree of drama throughout the film tempered by even the smallest moments of levity which elicits the engagement factors while watching the story come to pass.
Top this off by a beautifully orchestrated finale that not only brings a smile to your face, but delivers an ABSOLUTELY cathartic instance that reverberates with a MUCH NEEDED, quite admittedly witty resolution to a briefly harsh moment earlier in the film. Boudjahfa brings what at first would seem a basic intimidating physical presence to the screen before tempering that with showcasing a shift in attitude to reveal an amiable yet still steadfast and strong “everyman” persona through his role here as Joseph, a man who’s assuredly realizing that all in his life that has been successful and overall fulfilling has more recently taken turns that have put his mentality into a more contrary place. Coming back to his service station one day, he finds an intruder attempting to take advantage of the owner’s brief absence, causing a flurry between them that ends in unexpected camaraderie, the chance for a new beginning, and a transformed outlook at what the future could hold. I appreciated Boudjahfa’s ability to take us in one direction via Joseph’s viewpoint on events and totally change it to a far more positive one, which adds to the character’s likability.
Zocca, in a similar, grander way, also starts us off with a character we believe we might wish to see get what he has coming from his actions but then takes us into a wonderfully performed study in something we truly require more of in this day and age–compassion–through his turn here as Vincent, a younger man who’s drifting along on his own after circumstances in life have placed him in the reality he inhabits. Upon making a decision that then brings about his run-in with Joseph, Vincent then makes the choice we would first expect in reaction to the situation but then shows that he has more heart than would usually be associated with his act of desperation. Soon, what transpires between him and Joseph becomes nothing short of inspirational, as Vincent is a catalyst for change he’s already chasing while allowing another to see their own need for it as well. Zocca also brings about the “everyman” demeanor to Vincent, who’s a different kind of “man at a turning point in life” relying on deep ambition to attain his own goals while having the newly forming friendship with another to now share it with. It’s a solid performance Zocca brings, one that makes us root for who could have just been “the bad guy” had the story gone that way.
Supporting appearances are made through Dan Bertrand and Marie-Line Favre. So, in total, “Go West” illustrates and succinctly expands on facing the past, being down on the future, thinking dreams are dead, and that life will end in a whimper being utterly transfigured into experiencing the kindness of strangers, letting go of what’s gone, embracing adventure, and staring down uncertainty with newfound excitement, hope, and intent. NEVER give up on your dreams, because you never know what occurrences will happen to show you they are still very much alive.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
