"Their Town," directed by Katie Aselton, offers a delightful and comforting coming-of-age narrative. Scripted by Mark Duplass and featuring their daughter Ora Duplass in the lead, the film delves into the universal quest for identity during formative years. Set against the picturesque backdrop of New England, it captures the essence of small-town life, revealing profound significance within everyday occurrences, even as the protagonist, Abby, grapples with pivotal life choices. The movie's charm lies in its exploration of developing relationships and self-discovery, presenting a familiar yet refreshing take on adolescent experiences.
The film centers on Abby, portrayed by Ora Duplass, who faces an emotional dilemma when her boyfriend, Tyler (William Atticus Parker), withdraws from the school play they are co-leading. This abrupt departure leaves Abby questioning not only his commitment to the production but also the stability of their relationship, especially given his past infidelity. Her initial reluctance to continue with the play is met with the zealous encouragement of Mr. Elliot (Jeffery Self), the flamboyant drama director, who, despite being a somewhat clichéd comic relief, pushes Abby to stay. This leads to her unexpected pairing with Matt (Chosen Jacobs), who initially joined the production for stagecraft and holds no aspirations for a leading role. Their forced collaboration sets the stage for the unfolding of their unique connection.
Abby's hesitation to remain in the play, initially perplexing given her strong sense of self, becomes clearer upon meeting her mother, Janet (Kim Shaw). Janet, having experienced her own share of romantic disappointments, subtly nudges Abby towards reconciling with Tyler, viewing it as a path to an easier life. This maternal guidance, though well-intentioned, conflicts with Abby's burgeoning independence. A particularly poignant scene between mother and daughter, overheard by Matt, highlights their complex dynamic, revealing Janet's surprising protectiveness of Tyler. This moment underscores a central theme of "Their Town": adults, despite their age, don't always possess greater wisdom, and youthful intuition can often be the most accurate guide.
As Abby and Matt reluctantly begin rehearsals, an organic camaraderie blossoms between them. Their journey takes them to Matt's more affluent family home, where they delve into their backgrounds. Matt's parents are divorced, his father, Anthony (Daveed Diggs), being openly gay and frequently traveling to visit his boyfriend, Wei (Leonard Nam), maintaining daily contact with Matt via Zoom. These interactions, including a particularly humorous Zoom call, add depth and realism to their story. With their personal histories laid bare, Abby and Matt embark on confessional strolls through their town, evoking comparisons to Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy with their relaxed, conversational rhythm. While their discussions may not reach the philosophical depths of Jesse and Celine's, their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, making them a duo worth investing in. Encounters with characters like Gloria (Annie Henk), the owner of a local taco truck, further enhance this sentiment. The picturesque New England landscapes of Bangor, Maine, provide a beautiful, understated backdrop, adding to the film's authentic charm without being overtly sentimental.
However, "Their Town" falters slightly when it introduces a storyline about Matt's mental illness, explaining his family's relocation. This plot point, feeling somewhat out of place, disrupts the film's previously fluid and organic progression, leaving both the characters and the audience feeling a bit disoriented. It prompts questions about Matt's father's comfort in leaving him alone for extended periods, given the recency of his struggles. Despite this narrative misstep, the film ultimately regains its equilibrium, largely due to the compelling performances of its cast and Aselton's adept, straightforward direction. The genuine chemistry between the leads and the inherent warmth of the setting speak volumes, allowing the audience to fully appreciate this gentle yet spirited cinematic offering.