Review
Jackie (Sarah Stouffer) is the child star of cult children’s TV show Neptune 26. Now retired, she seeks normality by giving up her Californian roots and stardom and going to an East Coast university. Once there, she comes across much-revered psychology lecturer Catherine Stark (Allison McAtee) who is rumoured to sleep with female students. Jackie, taken in by Catherine’s sharp demeanour and air of dangerous mystery, enters into a passionate relationship. However, when her old career comes knocking at the door Jackie must choose between a normal life and her lover, and the excitement of once more being a star.
What is particularly striking about this film is how well written it is and how deep and realistic the characters are. It draws on well-made observations and the complexity of real life people. What’s more, it doesn’t feel like a typical lesbian film by way of adopting an overblown pastiche of lesbianism. Its premise is fresh and involving, but most of all grounded. It’s easy to relate to and care about the characters involved while they go through familiar emotions and predicaments that don’t feel far-fetched or overly dramatic.
Allison McAtee (left) and Sarah Stouffer (right) have a natural on screen chemistry in Fernanda Cardoso's well written and original film. Photograph: Courtesy of TLA Releasing.
This writing is bolstered by an all-round superb cast. Stouffer and McAtee have a noticeable and natural on-screen chemistry. Their performance captures the characters’ intimacy with panache, carefully making sure interactions are never so overplayed that they seem hammy. Even as individuals they hold their own very well; both are particularly adept at making sure their internal conflicts don’t feel awkwardly polarised. For example, McAtee brings out both the predatory and steely side of Catherine against someone who is more needy and loving, whilst Stouffer contrasts Jackie’s confident outgoing personality against a scared and unsure young girl.
But it’s not just McAtee and Stouffer who are strong actors. Katherine Ann McGregor deserves a mention for superbly portraying Jackie’s guilt-ridden mother, Lillian. And even Jackie’s university course-mates, played by Erika Heidewald, Chelsea Rogers, and Ray Zupp, support the rest of the cast well without feeling rigid or superfluous. Part of this is no doubt down to Fernanda Cardoso’s adept writing and directorial prowess, as well as the cast’s ability.
With some great production values and empathetic direction the entire film is slick and well nurtured. The only thing that lets it down is that, at times, it feels rushed. Some parts of the plot jump forward suddenly, leaving viewers only with their own assumptions to fill in gaps. There are also some moments that could have done with more padding to give the story a more rounded sense of depth and soul. Because of this it makes it difficult to become totally involved in the film and jars the viewer away from what could otherwise be something incredibly absorbing. But that is by no means a reason not to watch this film. It’s writing and performances make Bloomington a sweet and heartfelt drama that is genuinely charming, original, and entertaining.
Bloomington is available from Amazon.co.uk UK from 11 July 2011.
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