WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A single moment. One specific instance. A solitary occurrence that can change everything. We go through this life, perhaps more than we even realize, surrounded by those chance encounters and experiences, large or small, that could become a catalyst for transforming ourselves, much less others. How we choose to understand and act upon these junctures in our path could very well define not just who we already strive to be, but who we could become, IF we’re willing to take that first step. Existence has not been uncomplicated or unchallenging for a homeless man named Adam (Johnny Jordan Jr.) as he makes his way on the streets, doing anything he can to find positivity and provision for himself. But when his road crosses ways with Amira (Tamara Albishah), the improbable bond and opportunity that manifests from it could alter them both forever.
Next, my Mind:
How often and adamantly can this critic continue to emphasize and elate in the fact that indie cinema is at its best when presenting powerfully moving realities associated with the absolute beauty that is human connection and the force it represents when explored in the best and most unanticipated of scenarios, leaving us with a potent reminder of exactly what this world is so desperately losing sight of and needing to just as urgently regain? Well, when it comes to this new independent effort from writer/director/producer/executive producer Sri Charan plus associate producers Richard Anderson and Alex Espinoza, the aforementioned quality makes its presence more than known with compelling, stirring, evocative strength and resolve, precise execution, beautiful writing, and an attitude of HOPE in humanity that is unequivocally striking, heartening, entertaining, and simply necessary.
Through a narrative that sees a homeless man enter into the most unexpected of rapports with a young bride who’s facing her own challenges in life and the singular element that brings their association to a deeper level and potentially life-altering, shared end point, the film moves us through this journey with excellent pacing and such grounded sensibility as to make its story utterly believable while still allowing for that wonderfully lingering air of what I will term “the realistically fantastical” in context of what plays out here and thinking about something like it actually happening. Smoothly and convincingly navigating us through a myriad of grander themes centering on religion, perceptions, supposition, judgement, prejudice, racial/cultural barriers, misinterpreted actions, domestic violence, desperation, seeking validation and purpose, hidden dreams, the wish to escape to better places, trying to believe the best in people, kindness, selflessness, forgiveness, and a desire to pay it forward, all of this has the freedom and latitude to come out with conviction via both understated and blatant intent.
But, this critic personally feels that one of the largest overall takeaways to be gathered here is how the film paints an illustration of our need for a moral center, the lack of which so much causes us to see things in a jaded mindset, and it’s a wonder the hate, anger, lack of compassion, and at least the initial resistance to anyone showing someone else any magnitude of forgiveness, caring, and willingness to put other’s needs before their own sticks out so glaringly when acted upon. This isn’t to preach at anyone or force any specific religious agenda, it’s just a realization of how much we’ve forsaken the means to treat each other as equals, deserving of all success and happiness, and more than deserving the right to just LIVE and ideally see things improve when the path has been hard. I felt how this aim to see a more unified, benevolent world to inhabit magnificently resonates through all the factors involved throughout the film, leading to a finale that is flat out inspirational and moving in its ramifications and message.
Another facet of the film’s delivery is that it is willing to showcase or hint at ALL the events taking place, good and bad, with its character’s plights, therefore providing an all-encompassing viewpoint that lends further credibility to the film’s objectives while as mentioned above being wholeheartedly entertaining along the way. The cinematography embraces the primary characters in a perfect way so as to truly make us as the viewer feel like we’re WITH them, quietly enduring their joys and pains, and rooting with intensity for those we wish to see win (proverbially and literally in this case!). Likewise, the film’s music score added another layer of emotively atmospheric soul to the narrative as it progresses, which I always love when this is the case, as it almost becomes its own “character” as well. The combination of these is superbly done, and just the greater setting the story ultimately utilizes was equally engaging in how it becomes the venue for such a touching and expressive narrative.
Jordan, Jr. is a total wonder here, exuding both a harried, beleaguered, world-weary manner paired with an undeniably infectious degree of boisterous, delightful energy through his role as Adam, a homeless man dealing with the worries of his daily existence while still maintaining a tone to his demeanor that reflects his true heart to not just survive, but to find ways to aid others, in spite of his own circumstances. Things are at times seeming to be turning downwards a bit until a random first “meeting” of a young woman named Amira shifts his focus and grants him a connection that has actual meaning. Causing him to then reassess certain aspects of his being, their bond takes on a different turn that could truly reshape so much of their respective situations, and it becomes Adam’s goal to do so. It’s just a fantastically brilliant performance Jordan, Jr. gives us, as you cannot help but be swept up in the character’s unflinching bravado and desire to DO good even when things AREN’T, and how this is portrayed is honestly magical and so impactful.
On a more intentionally subdued but equally eloquent and deeply significant level, Albishah radiates both vulnerability and burning, impassioned determination through her turn as Amira, a young woman caught up in the throes of a marriage more than off the rails thanks to an overtly abusive, uncaring, untrusting husband. Every day, they stop at the local store where Adam has found his current “residence” and soon she finds herself amused by his antics while also garnering her heart to help him out as much as she can. However, when the situation suddenly finds itself taking on a larger scope thanks to an incident that occurs, she soon finds this unlikely friendship a place of anticipated refuge daily from the tedium and discontent of her normal life. Watching as the ripple effect of circumstances begins to cause Amira to more and more think about needed change is deftly presented by Albishah who infuses the character with such a splendid likability and charm, muted but loud, quiet yet screaming, echoing a manner on the surface mostly unassuming but inwardly conspicuous. It’s a grand performance that employs understatement to perfection.
The primary supporting roles are brought about first by Arrash Pirasteh as Amar, Amira’s overbearing, domineering husband whose attitudes and behavior towards her could end up costing him more than he realizes, and Pirasteh assuredly acts this out with the kind of authenticity and plausibility to make him accurately create the kind of character you love to hate. Ernesto Gonzalez appears as the store manager for the location Adam chooses to live outside of and ends up playing an interesting part in this story of redemption. Corance Davis provides a playfully unsettling showing as another local homeless man who’s just a tad unhinged and often a bane to Adam’s life, though even his role in events could take a surprising turn. Additional appearances are made by Brynn Felder, Hrishita Bhattacharya, Sam Bhattacharya, Kellan Cooke, Brad Negrotto, Caitlin Cooke, Asa Denning, Jada Jay, Tye Valdez, Yosian Evans, and Chenika Bryant.
So, in total, “Half & Half” is an exceptionally relevant, wholly noteworthy, highly dynamic, socially poignant indie film effort that more than deserves to be seen by as many people as possible in order that we might all be once more reminded of precisely HOW MUCH we are in need of inspiration, motivation to do good, consider others before ourselves, and seek out what opportunities might exist to see our own lives enriched, revitalized, influenced, and transfigured through putting aside our misconceived perceptions of one another and instead find the means to extend genuine concern and goodwill for our fellow human beings that we might see a world reborn.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
