In writer/director Emma Seligman’s feature debut (based of her short film of the same name) we follow a college girl named Danielle (Rachel Sennott) who is a bit of a mess but nevertheless trying to make life work on her own terms. While reluctantly attending a memorial service for a deceased family member she unexpectedly runs into her sugar daddy which instantly adds to the awkwardness of an already uncomfortable gathering. Also present are dozens of elderly aunts who keep asking her about her aspirations (What is it you’re studying exactly? Still no boyfriend? Are you eating enough, young lady? etc.) as well as Danielle’s ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon) adored by the rest of the family but with whom Danielle didn’t exactly part in good terms.
The whole affair is quite confronting and incredibly stressful for Danielle but also for the viewer as the camera is often up close to her face capturing the anxiety increasing with each new unpleasant interaction. This feeling is amplified strongly through the film’s score which is packed with dissonant screeching violins almost making it feel like you’re watching a thriller. It’s truly unnerving but also serves as a perfect platform for plenty of comedy that contrasts greatly with the general dread she’s experiencing.
The many characters are positively delightful with her well-meaning parents providing most of the chuckles. Her mother Debbie (wonderfully portrayed by Polly Draper) tries to project an embellished image and if at all possible, get her daughter a job or a potential partner which invariably backfires. Her father Joel (a very amusing Fred Melamed) is somewhat stereotypically oblivious putting his foot in his mouth every time he speaks. Performances are solid across the board really and the small-scale low-stakes story is refreshingly simple all taking place in and outside the same house (apart from the opening scene) and within less than a day’s time. It’s a rather classic set-up but Seligman manages to keep it fresh, tremendously energetic and loads of fun wrapping it all up at 78′. Check it out on MUBI.
