I can definitely see people being bored with this movie. I've seen a lot of movies like it that fail miserably and are relentlessly boring. This film is different. I liked ALL of the characters. They all carried a distinct persona despite limited screen-time and are very relatable. Each person is layered and genuine, none of whom are wholly good or bad. The humor is subtle yet gratifying and conflicts are handled maturely.
In a sense this movie connects all the disparate parts of the self: the quiet and anxious Abbi, the desperate showoff in Cera, the gloomy brooder in Ray, the arrogant insecure teen in Wendy, the insecure lovestruck teen in Melanie, and the passionate local "hero." Nothing feels forced or contrived. I can definitely see myself watching this many times in the future. I honestly didn't mind the lack of action and drama because I just wanted to sit with each character.
I can assure you I'm not a paid shill either. This movie isn't for everyone, but if you give it a chance I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Person to Person
2017
Action / Comedy / Drama
Person to Person
2017
Action / Comedy / Drama
Plot summary
Follows a variety of New York characters as they navigate personal relationships and unexpected problems over the course of one day.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Aquired Taste
I've got music in my heart, I've got love for it
I watched this film at the Toronto Internation Film Felstival's Next Wave, which was free for anyone under 25 years of age, with more than 300 other young people. I like to read reviews to get a general consensus on how a film performed, and I almost didn't go to this one because of the reviews I had read, which were mostly negative; but one of my friends had said: "You can't always trust the reviews." She was right.
After the film the director Dustin Guy Defa got on the stage to have a discussion and a Q&A about the film. It was shot on 16mm film, which gave it its subtle grain and warm look. Defa revealed that the main character Bene, the nice-shirt wearing record collector, was his actual real-life roomate, and the central figure he wanted the film to revolve around. Defa also discussed how Bene and Michael Cera's character Phil both deeply loved music, yet expressed it in different ways. Phil's is this aggressive metal, which is his only way to express himself, but he plays it to try and impress others, and this extends into his whole character. Whereas Bene loves collecting records and listening to beautiful soul, and is able to express himself not only through music but also his relationships with his best friend and roommate Ray and girlfriend Francis. Bene is able to act with passion in any situation, showing "big love," and even willing to break legs when his kindness is taken for granted.
I interpreted Phil and Bene's juxtaposition as the difference between listening to music with your mind and feeling it with your heart and soul. Phil's music was very lyrical and chaotic, where Bene's was smooth and danceable. I'm not saying one music choice is better than the other, but you see where each character ends up at the end of the film, and this is not only due to their music choice, but also the way they behave in the world.
Overall I thought the film was light and had this unexplainable warmness to it. It did have moments where it fell flat, like when Wendy and Melanie have a conversation about genitalia that ends with long awkward silence, which comes off as uncomfortable rather than the humor which was intended.
Nonetheless, my friend and I very much enjoyed the film, and I hope to see more from the great Dustin Guy Defa, the beautiful Tavi Gevinson, and the nice shirt wearing Bene Coopersmith in the future.
Had no expectations, yet this movie met all of them.
I had never even heard of this movie before clicking on it (I've recently fallen in love with Michael Cera and searched his name on Hulu in a desperate attempt to find something other than his more popular films such as Scott Pilgrim VS the World, Superbad, or Juno.). I went into it expecting nothing, but I was pleasantly surprised. The movie follows four people in New York City over the course of one day, each facing their own unique trials. The movie is definitely on the edgy-artsy-indie side and has that certain awkward and uncomfortable air around the characters and dialogue. It was interesting throughout the entire film. I was surprised when it ended because I was so captivated that it felt like it just started. You'll never guess what'll happen next. If you're looking for a happy ending with a complete resolution, this isn't the movie for you. The characters don't really have a complete wrap up and round off except for Benny. It leaves you slightly dissatisfied, but I still enjoyed the movie. The characters are all extremely lovable and relatable despite how odd and unique they are. The movie was well executed.