Tribeca Film Festival 2023 Report 1: LAROY TEXAS, CHASING CHASING AMY & THE GRADUATES

­The first three films I covered for this year’s Tribeca Film Festival couldn’t be any further from one another. On one hand, we have a dark comedy crime film in a small town in Texas, and on another – a young adult finding himself through the work of another. Then we have a group of teenagers and a community dealing with a tragic event and the grief that threatens to overwhelm them. Each of these films excels in their intent and left me thinking and reeling, in some form or another. All three are directorial debuts, and all show real promise.

Through the art of storytelling, we have the opportunity to perceive the unimaginable, the intimate surfaces that film’s touch, and the things that we tuck, deep inside. It’s expression.

LaRoy, Texas (Shane Atkinson)

We have bad days, we meet strange and eccentric individuals, and sometimes… we accidentally get wrapped up in a kill-for-hire scheme. Well, we do here.

There’s a neo-western sort of vibe to the country setting of Laroy, Texas, where our lead inhabitants get their life shaken up.

In the tonal landscape of the Coen brothers (the second like this I saw at this Tribeca) comes another dark comedy that follows the somber and messy lives of a group of connected individuals as they become enthralled in an unexpected criminal direction.

Ray (John Magaro) finds out – without asking – that his wife Stacey-Lynn (Megan Stevenson), is being unfaithful when Skip (Steve Zahn) brings him photographic proof of her spending time at a shady hotel. Skip calls himself a private investigator but is often the brunt of the joke with local law enforcement. Ray, lives a seemingly quiet life, under the shadow of his brother (Matthew Del Negro) with whom he co-runs a family-owned hardware business, and with his wife who runs him down. When he hears this news, everything is turned upside down.

When Ray assumes the worst he purchases a gun, looking to end his life. However, before he can take that leap a stranger jumps in the car, gives him money, and assumes he is a paid killer. A role that, from our fantastic opening scene distinguishes, belongs to a hitman: (Dylan Baker).

From there, things get awfully confusing rather fast for our unassuming lead. The story unravels itself in spurts of chaos and comedy, keeping a solid pace of amusing discoveries. It’s part mystery, as our characters try to discover who is behind what and where this originated, and part crime thriller. Absurdity leans into the crime world, opening up a variety of new personalities and unexpected interactions. It lives in each genre periodically, with some proving to be more exciting than others.

LaRoy Texas is a crime sort of caper that has a slew of misfits and try-hards who want to make a name for themselves. It’s a place where plans fail and dreams are crushed, but it’s also a place of opportunity – albeit, one with sufficient risk. The comedic subtleties burst through in every scene and the overall vibe is one that makes for an entertaining (even if at times) disjointed experience.

First-time writer/director Shane Atkinson brings together an illustriously hilarious cast that doesn’t even let up on the humor or the general bizarre nature of the events as they unfold. LaRoy throws a lot of curveballs and one of the most consistent joys is the performance of Steve Zahn. His infusion of energy is always a welcomed addition and whenever I’d hear his high-pitched raucous commentary, glee would overcome me.

LaRoy isn’t without its stumbles, especially in the runtime that could have been shaved down. Things happen fast and once the third act comes there’s a slower movement that doesn’t quite mesh. Regardless, Atkinson has some real skill in maneuvering a talented cast and crafting a worthwhile tale. I can’t wait to see what he does next. The script is hoppy and spirited which makes for some quirky dialogue and captivating interactions.

This was a fun surprise – While LaRoy, Texas may not rise to the levels that it aims to achieve it’s a wonderful effort that thrives on the shoulders of its amazing cast and the bold direction of Shane Atkinson.

Chasing, Chasing Amy (Sav Rodgers)

This documentary truly breathes life into the power that a film can have on a viewer. Yes, it speaks to the legacy of Kevin Smith and of the problematic elements of his film Chasing Amy, but it’s really about the relationship that director Sav Rodgers has with the film and the journey that springs from that first watch.

I was instantly invested in the story of Sav and his appreciation of the film and its ultimate impression on his life. We go on this journey together and while it’s a very intimate one, I can’t help but be called back to the many films that have shaped me as both a fan and a human being. The love and connection that I have with these works of art is endless, and being able to watch another and the effect and reverberation it has had on their life is a stunning thing to experience. The magic of meeting your idol and the catharsis from telling your story is incredible. It takes courage and heart and Rodgers has this in strides.

I truly loved being on this ride with Sev, his fiancé, and even Kevin Smith as he relives some of the experiences in terrifically moderated conversations.

The documentary takes us through Sev’s initial watch, his TED talk and then his exploration into the film itself, through various interviews with Smith and others along with archived footage. We also get to know Sev, and see the various ways this movie affected his life.

Chasing Chasing Amy gives a voice to an artist, a fan, and invites us to a story of love and growth, of transition and pain. The star is charming and a gifted director.

Impactful and thoughtful Chasing Chasing Amy is a talented debut that feels passionate and genuinely special. A true testament to the power of storytelling to and from another artist.

The Graduates (Hannah Peterson)

The Graduates is a film that brings a lens to the sort of grief that too many of our youth have been subjected to, as they deal with gun violence.

The film takes place after the event, exploring the students impacted and their relationships as they work through the difficult questions and reconciling that fact that answers may never come.

The film mostly focuses on Genevieve (Mina Sundwall) whose boyfriend Tyler was one of the victims. As well as Ben (Alex Hibbert), his best friend who feels guilty for not being there when it happened. They are both warring with their own emotions and the film captures this with a concise script that never feels showy.

It’s a beautifully conceived film that conveys a lot with just a little. The performances ground the story in a place of sensitivity and realism. It’s refreshingly genuine and it feels as if we know these students, these characters, which makes for a powerful watch.

It is a true look at grief, how it darkens the corners and in the silence, is deafening. The strong sound editing transforms an empty hallway into a mode of isolation, bringing to it painful memories.  The Graduates is subtle in its performances and it promotes an engrossing tale that shows it is okay to laugh, to smile, and to heal amid an unforgettable tragedy.

As it progresses, it relinquishes the pained moments for a degree of hope. Never feeling melodramatic or a copy of other films of a similar suit, there’s a earnesty to its proceedings.

Mina Sundwall is the real star of the film, with a stunning breakthrough performance. John Cho has a supporting role as a teacher and coach, who has also suffered. He’s got a wonderful presence that exudes a man grappling with his loss along with the necessity of being a figure among the youth.

While it’s a simple premise, it’s a challenging one and it’s directed with a thoughtful touch by Hannah Peterson.

Deftly paced with strong performances and keen direction, The Graduates is an emotional and powerful look at trauma and grief.

All three films had their premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival! Look for more Tribeca 2023 coverage coming soon!