Paint It Black (2016)

Paint It Black Poster

A young woman attempts to deal with the death of her boyfriend while continuously confronted by his mentally unstable mother.

Intro to "Paint It Black"
"Paint It Black" is a 2016 drama movie directed by Amber Tamblyn in her directorial debut. Based on the novel of the very same name by Janet Fitch, the screenplay was co-written by Tamblyn and Ed Dougherty. The narrative delves into the turbulent psyche of a girl as she grapples with grief and complex relationships following her boyfriend's unexpected death.

Plot Overview
The story focuses on Josie, played by Alia Shawkat, a young woman whose life takes a devastating turn when her boyfriend, Michael (Rhys Wakefield), commits suicide. Josie is left in a state of shock and grief, grappling with the loss of her fan and the psychological turmoil that takes place. The terrible occasion throws her into a chaotic exploration of her relationship with Michael, their shared memories, and her own self-identity.

Josie's grieving process is further complicated when she crosses paths with Michael's estranged mother, Meredith (Janet McTeer), a renowned but cold and challenging performance pianist. Meredith, who blames Josie for her kid's death, is likewise handling the enormous loss in her own severe method. What follows is a dark and intense conflict between the 2 ladies, who are linked by their love for the same male yet divided by their varying experiences and memories of him.

Styles and Style
"Paint It Black" takes a look at the depths of grief, grieving, and the human mind. The film artfully depicts the way individuals manage loss. Through Josie's character, it explores the experience of being left behind, bound to the memories of a relationship that suddenly ends. It also takes a look at the complicated mother-son bond through Meredith, revealing her dysfunctional relationship with Michael and the discomfort his death has actually caused her.

Director Tamblyn presents the story in an aesthetically meaningful method, with striking images and a moody, climatic tone. The movie often shatters the direct story structure to check out the characters' inner lives through flashbacks, dream series, and expressive visual metaphors. These aspects highlight the disorienting result that grief has on the mind and heart.

The clash between Josie and Meredith forms the core of the movie's drama, as the ladies embody conflicting actions to Michael's death-- the previous, yearning for closure and understanding; the latter, a painful mix of rejection, anger, and desire for control. Their interaction, like a harmful dance, reflects the messiness and unpredictability of human emotions and relationships.

Performances and Reception
Alia Shawkat delivers a raw and gripping performance as Josie, representing her journey through sorrow with subtlety and depth. Janet McTeer's representation of Meredith is equally powerful, recording the powerful yet susceptible mom figure with a nuanced efficiency that earned her vital honor.

"Paint It Black" got blended reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some praised Tamblyn's bold directorial choices and the strong efficiencies from the lead actors, others discovered the movie's tone excessively bleak and the narrative structure too disjointed. Nevertheless, the movie has actually been recognized for its artistic ambition and the engaging way it attends to the complexities of loss and human connection.

Conclusion
"Paint It Black" is a thought-provoking drama that masterfully illustrates the psychological turmoil resulting from unexpected loss. It sticks out for its strong efficiencies, striking visual style, and its courageous expedition of grief's shadowy landscapes. Amber Tamblyn's debut as a director showcases her capability to weave an aesthetically and mentally textured tale that uses a portrayal of the enigmatic nature of human relationships in the face of tragedy.

Top Cast

  • Alia Shawkat (small)
    Alia Shawkat
    Josie
  • Janet McTeer (small)
    Janet McTeer
    Meredith
  • Rhys Wakefield (small)
    Rhys Wakefield
    Michael
  • Nancy Kwan (small)
    Nancy Kwan
    Margaret
  • Emily Rios (small)
    Emily Rios
    Pen
  • Alfred Molina (small)
    Alfred Molina
    Cal
  • Mish Way
    Lola Lola
  • Austin Barber
    Man in Crowd
  • Terry Kinney (small)
    Terry Kinney
    Detective Brooks (voice)
  • Beau Sia (small)
    Beau Sia
    Phil
  • Amanda Shokrian
    Cellist at the Funeral