Loading ...Screen Daily - Kelly Reichardt’s third film is another small story revolving around seemingly banal events which, like its predecessor Old Joy, builds into a moving cry of despair for its alienated lead character, a young twentysomething woman called Wendy. But Reichardt is no pessimist and her compassion for Wendy and belief in the kindness of strangers make for an optimistic film which should serve to build her already strong US reputation on an international scale.
Also serving to boost the film’s commercial appeal is Michelle Williams in the lead role. Although by no means a bankable star on her own, Williams is developing a sterling reputation as one of the most adventurous and versatile actors of her generation and this film, combined with upcoming titles from Charlie Kaufman, Lukas Moodysson and Martin Scorsese should continue to cement her name in both financing and critical circles.
Williams is superb here, unbeautified and effortlessly natural as a woman driving a clapped out Honda from her homestate of Indiana to Alaska in search of lucrative work at a fish cannery. Whether they are dead or estranged, she has no parents to lean on and one disinterested sister; in fact the primary relationship in her life is with her golden yellow dog Lucy… [Full Story]
