The Blurred Lines of Nostalgia And Romance in Blue Jay
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Blurred Lines of Nostalgia And Romance in Blue Jay

Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass shine in the new drama from Alex Lehmann

15
The Blurred Lines of Nostalgia And Romance in Blue Jay
The Hollywood Reporter

Review: Blue Jay

Grade: B

How often are we reminded of “the one that got away”? It’s essential within pop culture, be it in sitcoms or every other Dinosaur Jr. song. The long lost love is a trope that exists because we’re a nostalgic bunch, and the “what if?” of past relationships toys in all of our minds. The latest film from the Duplass brothers, in assistance with director Alex Lehmann, answer the “what if” with Blue Jay.

The brilliant Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass play Amanda and Jim, ex-lovers who, years after separating, run into each other in their hometown supermarket. After politely catching up over coffee, they break their previous engagements to spend an evening together, recalling their high school affair and why it went south.

Those familiar with Duplass films expect a degree of emotional vulnerability that runs rampant throughout their movies. Their documentary-inspired style often focuses on the nuances of relationships, in addition to mostly improvised dialogue that produces a raw and very human atmosphere. Although this rings true with Blue Jay, the docu-style handheld camera is replaced with Lehmann’s choice of primarily static, black and white photography. The rich pools of grey beautifully highlight the veiled interactions of Amanda and Jim, in which their conversations hide harsh truths in the shadows while they reimagine their young romance with nostalgia blinders.

Both Paulson and Duplass share an intoxicating chemistry that is viciously natural. Although a mostly quiet film, Blue Jay provides more than enough to remind us why Sarah Paulson is one of the most important actresses working today. The performances are somehow unsentimental yet earnest and continues the tradition of the Duplass’ being involved in work that puts a spotlight on some of their players’ most memorable moments.

Although there is a point where the film drags a bit, a dramatic turn builds for a third act of unforgettable emotional release. It tiptoes the line of melodrama, but the performances are so honest that it’s easy to look past. Lehmann and company successfully critique how nostalgia can blind us, move us, and in some cases, make us forget hard truths. In an age of nostalgia over-saturation, it’s refreshing to see its dark side fleshed out in such a human drama.

Blue Jay is currently playing at Cinema 21 until October 28.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

17468
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946324
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123017
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments