WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Life and reconnection. It stands to reason as we experience this wonder that is existence that individual paths will inexorably cross with a multitude of others, some whom shall forever remain strangers in passing, while others will be those that impact our journey the most. It sounds like an easy enough endeavor to encounter this myriad of interplays with other people, hold onto the ones most valued, and let go of the rest. But, what happens when taking time to look into ourselves not only brings about unanticipated reunion, but births an equally unforeseen depth of relationship we never saw coming? For recently graduated high-schooler Ben (Michael Shacket), taking advantage of a camera, gained as a gift, to vlog about his reality SEEMS straightforward enough until a former classmate, Lacy (Morgan Overley), enters his life, upending and fulfilling it to degrees neither of them are prepared for–and now must face to see what the future could hold.
Next, my Mind:
The revelation of self-analysis, reflection, romance, and life’s twists and turns all form the glue that bonds together a grander tale of how we see ourselves, others, and what we strive to attain and feel thanks to this 114-minute indie feature film effort from writer/director/producer/editor Michael Shacket and co-producer Morgan Overley that encompasses the dramatic and the comical while navigating the ups, downs, and ever-fluctuating potency of decisions being made, those yet to be truly considered when it comes to us, those around us, and the directions moving forward we must ascertain then flow with. While this may on the surface sound like some profoundly mature adventure, the beauty of this film is that we’re given these perspectives through the eyes of teens on the cusp of entering a whole new phase of their pending transfer TOWARDS and ultimately INTO adulthood having to confront matters of head and heart in a way they didn’t expect.
Centered at the start on the vlogging aspirations of a young man whose degrees of excitement, uncertainties, and sometimes flat-out (PLAYFULLY and COMEDICALLY so, mind you) neurotic behavior is being documented thanks to a high school graduation gift, the narrative takes on a whole different magnitude of engaging, intelligent, and fully entertaining twists when his objectives get overturned by the entrance of a former classmate with whom he quickly falls for (queue massive amounts of initial and quite hilarious awkwardness!) and the subsequent cacophony of emotional turbulence which ensues for them both as they explore a budding relationship. There’s a whimsical and totally immersive innocence to the courtship that then slowly begins to manifest trying times that test their commitment, the whole notion of real love, and how foundational attraction does not always mean genuine or lasting connection.
But, the story goes well beyond just these cornerstone concepts, as we delve into all the intricacies of becoming a couple, maintaining a positive and healthy partnership, having to handle those things that threaten to separate it all, the devastation of heartbreak, and the legitimately compelling venture into looking at oneself in order to assess what we REALLY desire, are looking to achieve, and matching it up to determine whether compatability is or is not feasible. Why stop there, though? We also witness the kaleidoscopic explorations of first date indecision and jitters, our lack of confidence or hesitations to take necessary actions when needed hence holding ourselves back, longing for those we cannot have, holding expectations that may or may not be met with someone else, absence being a catalyst for yearning, how we second guess things, shifting blame in conflict, manipulative choices, dreams being shattered, experiencing a sense of abandonment, realizing what we’ve lost, the value of friendship, and ultimately acknowledging WHO we ARE. I give props the film’s finale, as I will just say that like a recent theatrical release about a couple’s trials and triumphs, it suited this story to a “T” and made it even more down-to-earth.
All of this and, frankly, even MORE has its screen time throughout the film’s runtime, and it paints that perfectly illustrated picture of not just relationships, but of our humanity and the constant search for unfeigned love we ALL seek and long for. As mentioned above, it is the film’s wonderfully executed visual format that embraces both individuality and togetherness and very much allows the viewer to end up getting a complete glimpse at both characters in each way, offering that varied yet similar vantage point of events that becomes what makes this film gel so effectively, keeping your attention from start to finish. The music score makes for an apropos addition to the effort’s atmosphere, accompanying the ever-shifting tonal eddies the narrative throws at us with a deft touch and overall feel. Back to visuals, I would have potentially thought that an almost 2-hour film primarily utilizing the “vlog” format might have become tedious and uninteresting, but again folks, it works here to fantastically enjoyable, wholly fun, captivatingly relevant success.
As the years covering indie cinema have moved forward, I truly relish the opportunities to see acting on this level of filmmaking, because while sometimes it might be “lacking” in certain aspects, there is NEVER a doubt in my mind the HEART, PASSION, and DRIVE being displayed in this medium by these thespians. Sometimes, they quite honestly impress me MORE than some full-on Hollywood professionals. Case in point–we start with Shacket, who with deft ease elicits laughs galore while also showcasing plausible, ACCESSIBLE dramatic flare through his role as Ben, a high-strung, quirky, totally affable 18-year old whose experimentation with a new vlog about his life is an exercise in amusement and assessment. He’s hitting his stride with it until a former classmate re-enters his life and the two start up a relationship that will challenge them both in life-altering ways. How their journey will end up becomes a heartening and harrowing one, and the mix of joviality, melancholy, and everything in-between is entertainingly navigated by Shacket who simply endears you to the character on so many levels. Ben is US, grounded, credible, and relatable, and that’s the magic that Shacket’s acting brings out in the character from the very beginning.
I would unequivocally give the same measure of accolades for relatability and just realistically conveyed depth of emotional connection presented via whimsey, charm, and plenty of delicious sass to Overley here via her turn as the other half of the adventurous duo, Lacy, a carefree, certainly bold, energetic, and independent young woman who finds herself unexpectedly in the midst of a building friendship then relationship with Ben, a classmate she recalls from high school. Initially hesitant to step into anything with him, her draw to him ends up developing into more, but yet also holds within it a cautious hesitation that may or may not be a stumbling block for both of them and the directions they see things going. Whether Lacy can battle her own insecurities and opinionated stubbornness enters into the grander portrait of her notions of love as well, and how Overley conveys this myriad of stirring highs and lows the character experiences is masterfully done to me, again because the actress makes it tangible and feasible to take in and BELIEVE. Plus, TOGETHER, the two actor’s chemistry is undeniable, and it makes the characters embody both the cuteness and then curtness of the pairing we witness unfold with precise intent and impact.
Supporting turns/appearances are present from Carolyn Trahan, ShaShaty, Meigan Moncus, Jaycob Maya, Will Spencer, Carolyne Weiss, Stephen Neider, Sheil Choksi, Bobby Freeman, and Matthew J. Tucker. So, in total, “Ben & Lacy” is fun and provocative, at its core a study in evaluating ourselves, taking the leap into new phases of our journey, and discovering love with all its joys and perils, aiming to be transparent, seeing how we can change each others lives, find purpose, celebrate our differences, learn, and move forward. Even more importantly, can we be open to analyzing whether it’s the IDEA and LOOK of love we are embracing as opposed to something that’s genuine and REAL. Let’s hope it’s more the latter than the former, as it’s that kind of love we need to see more of for the sake of ourselves and those whom we treasure most, even if it all doesn’t always work out the way we anticipate, so that it still ends up for the BETTER all around.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
