This film is worth watching for the music alone---which is well produced and feels clear, real and organic. The strong central song Olive Tree is supported by other songs (and song beginnings) woven in throughout. The music is well placed and blends in with the color palette of the film. I'm referring here to the feel of the film as it transitions effectively between scenes, capturing (some of) the energy of Portland, Oregon---and relationship tensions between the two lead characters (Sylvie and David).
The film has central lines weaving through it--behind the passing clouds of (often philosophical) conversations. Certain scenes remind me of the Before Sunrise trilogy. In parallel with the music, some conversations/debates between the two lead characters have a destination. Others are left hanging in the clouds--as they reconnect with one another--and in some ways are challenged to accept (or resonate with) one another's way of life.
The strongest part of the film in general (and in terms of performances by the two leads) is the longest portion of it (the middle) picking up after an early bar scene. The bar conversation, which sets up some of the tension to be resolved, does sound like it's in a bar, so it opens things up when characters set out on their journey from that point.
This film is present with you, allowing itself some breathing room to exist. The viewer can settle in and get a feel for the terrain--rather than rushing along the map. At the same time, the editing is great and scenes are little defined moments. Transitions keep things moving along. This combination allows the film to be intimate and to have a certain magic and presence about it.
Neither of two lead characters, previously in a band together, have found commercial success as professional musicians. Yet, David has nonetheless transitioned into a sustainable musician lifestyle--by way of radical minimalism. By living in a less material way, he is able to dedicate more time to playing. Furthermore, he's come to value playing music for the sake of playing it---cultivating it on an individual / local community scale.
Sylvie, while approaching life from a different angle, also aligns with that aspect of minimalism in their time together. It's an effective reconnecting point for their now separate lives. The flow of their musical and human connection becomes evident--as the world responds back to them. Maybe also there are small hints of the movie Once present---except in that case it would be Twice, since Sylvie and David were band mates in the distant past.
Ultimately the two characters have different ways of life---and choices regarding their different lives are there to meet them, when it comes time to step out of their shared cloud. This is when the film reaches its resolution and conclusion.
While I wasn't as initially keyed into this section as much---as I was the journey itself, the last lines of the film are particularly interesting. They make the ending stronger and complete the film. The film is a reminder that the existence of deeper realities doesn't automatically insulate people, fully at least, from the human experience.
On a closing note, there is a wonderful, well cast older actress in this film (Marie Fiorillo) who, If I'm not mistaken, was a supporting character in the film Majong and the West (featuring the same lead actress and writer, Jannette Bloom). She's a great third character in the film that breaks up the one on one without disrupting the intimacy present.
