An entertaining indie dramedy with a fine cast that offers little in the way of surprises
There’s something endearing about a fuckup, whether we see something of ourselves in them, or are reassured that there is someone in life who has their shit less together than we do. There’s also the redemptive arc, as someone learns, grows, and pulls themselves out of the mire. It’s perfect fodder for a film, a theme mined many a time in the past, and once again by Christian Papierniak in his directorial debut Izzy Gets The F*ck Across Town, which while familiar in terms of story, charms thanks to its lead, Mackenzie Davis.
Synopsis:
“Izzy Gets The F*ck Across Town is as delightfully offbeat as the title suggests, with an engaging and heartfelt story. Smartly written with stellar acting and deft direction, this hilarious movie demands to be seen as soon as possible.” — Film Threat. Broke, struggling musician Izzy (Mackenzie Davis, Halt and Catch Fire) finds herself at rock bottom when she learns that her ex and her former best friend have just gotten engaged. To stop it, she’s gotta get the f*ck across town!
Izzy is perhaps most accomplished in its opening moments, conveying the chaotic mindset and life-state of the titular Izzy (Mackenzie Davis). She wakes up in bed with a man (Lakeith Stanfield), neither of them with memory of how they met, her confusion compounded by the recent loss of her job and the new discovery that morning of the engagement party for her ex, who just happens to be marrying her ex-bestie. It’s this news that gives her something to latch on to and drag herself into some sort of focus in her life as she similarly drags herself across LA to intervene.
Of course this is a terrible idea, but makes for a plot perfect for comedy as well as a more offbeat way to explore personal growth and self-discovery. A woman seeks assistance, finding avenues of help closed off to her due to past actions, or inaction. She forges ahead, led by her often destructive impulses, encountering all manner of quirky characters along the way. A supporting cast featuring Alia Shawkat, Brandon T. Jackson, Haley Joel Osment, Carrie Coon, and Bobby Lamont can give you an idea as to what a treat these portions of the film can be. They all contribute to film with a darkly comedic, slightly abstract edge, chaotic in nature, aided by a punk rock inspired soundtrack and a centered around a rebellious performance from its lead.
Mackenzie Davis has already impressed with roles in Blade Runner 2049, Black Mirror’s San Junipero, the criminally underrated Halt and Catch Fire, and most recently Tully. She’s undeniably the strongest part of the film, an often narcissistic, unlikable character, but one whose flaws endear you to her, an aspect that is a crux to what unfolds in the film. Writer/director Christian Papierniak isn’t telling a new story here, and what he weaves sometimes feels repetitive or meandering, but it’s one with enough of it’s own charm to carve out a space for itself. What is commendable is that it’s refreshing to see what has been done so many times for a male lead done with a female protagonist.
The Package
Izzy is a film that takes in its LA setting and shows it off nicely. From the sun-lit streets to darker locales, visual quality is solid across the board. Colors pop with a natural palette retained, texture and detail impress, while contrast and blacks are also solid. Special features are also pretty well put together:
- Audio commentary with writer/director Christian Papierniak and director of photography Alexandre Naufel
- Behind the scenes featurette “A Look at the Making of Izzy” featuring interviews with the cast and crew: Running over an hour, this is a impressive collection of interviews and behind the scenes footage from filming.
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
The Bottom Line
While the content of Izzy feels familiar, an indie dramedy indulging in the worst aspects of its lead to drive comedy and an introspective journey, it works well enough as a piece of entertainment. Where it really succeeds is in showcasing the burgeoning talents of Mackenzie Davie. It’s a solid release from Shout! Factory supported by a healthy contingent of extras.
Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town is available via Shout! Factory from September 25th, 2018.
About Shout! Studios
Shout! Studios is the filmed entertainment production and distribution arm of Shout! Factory, specializing in all aspects of distribution, including theatrical, VOD, digital and broadcast. Reflecting Shout! Factory’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, Shout! Studios champions and supports like-minded filmmakers and creators at the forefront of pop culture, driving creative expression and diversity in independent storytelling. Shout! Studios finances, produces, acquires and distributes an eclectic slate of movies, award-winning animated features, specialty films and series from rising and established talent, filmmakers and producers.