Here’s a film about a strange romance that takes place on a backpacking trip. It’s well acted and directed, but the story takes a weird turn that set me back a little. It’s a drama and not a horror story however, so be ready for a lot of walking and dialogue that’s predictable. Now, that said the film Maine does have a lot of plus marks, including some awesome views, comical situations, a great soundtrack and a few good observations on hiking the northeast.
Taking a break from married life, Bluebird (Laia Costa), yes that’s her name, decides to forge her way to Maine through wooded and rocky terrain. Along the way she meets Lake (Thomas Mann), yes that’s his name, and the two decide to travel together. Both seem to be in tune with each other, but there are differences in their personalities that rub each other the wrong way at times.
Most of the trip is uneventful even though we do realize that there may be a chance for Lake to possibly turn their budding relationship into something more. Director Matthew Brown has his camera take in all the surroundings, works some magic with some nice night shots and takes liberties with close ups that reach into the souls of the two hikers. For this the film’s a delight and gives audiences a chance to sit back and enjoy a good exchange of teasing and a great musical sound track while dreaming of a backpacking event of their own.
Laia Costa gives a refreshing performance as the capricious woman who has to make plausible decisions and figure out where her life is going. Close ups of her as Bluebird, and there are many, penetrate her thoughts and her eyes tell most of the story. She sees Lake as a distraction from what she has left behind, but at the same time realizes she may be giving wrong signals. Her acting arc becomes complete making an abrupt statement as the film comes to a close, but for this her character also disappoints.
As for Thomas Mann, he’s just along for the ride and he shows Lake’s weaknesses and becomes an open book to Bluebird. Instead of being the aggressor, Lake settles for Bluebird’s control of his path often overly laying himself bare to her whims. His mistakes with affection, often lead to heartbreaking moments that make him overcompensate and leave him more vulnerable to failure. Mann has had a nice career so far with films like Me Earl and the Dying Girl and here he showcases his fine talent even more.
While I do like the film for different reasons than what I believe was intended by writer director Matthew Brown, his ending gives a damaging unexpected character flaw that I believe was unnecessary. It’s a ploy used in some films that only works in B movies that don’t know how to conclude or didn’t know how to leave well enough alone.
Maine has been rated R by the MPAA for language, some sexual content and graphic nudity. The bleak surroundings caught by the cinematography gives the film a cold aura that ties into the story, but tends to take some of the beauty out of a trek up the Northeastern countryside. Ladies, bring a sweater.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Good performances save the film. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Laia Costa, Thomas Mann, Pete Burns, Jeremy DeCarlos, and Pat Dortch
Directed and written by: Matthew Brown
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R for language, some sexual content and graphic nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min.
Opening Date: December 13, 2018
Distributed by: Orion Classics
Released in: Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
