Alison Bagnall brings her 2nd feature length film, The Dish & The Spoon, with shameless intimacy.
After discovering her husband has cheated on her, Rose (Greta Gerwig) goes on a beer-drinking rampage, pulling the young, mysterious vagabond (Olly Alexander) in on her plan for revenge against the bitch who put her in this position.
The two share an undeniable – often cute and occasionally awkward – on screen chemistry.
Their unique and intimate relationship develops in an interesting balance of sexual tension, bare emotions and twisted manipulation.
Bagnall sincerely seems to be an actor's director, where playfulness and experimentation is balanced with an emotional depth.
The film is sincere and reckless, letting the characters lead the narrative. Rose wants to scream, Rose will scream. Rose wants to cuddle, Rose will cuddle. Rose wants to steal, Rose will steal.
The characters really seem free to act how they want and feel in each moment rather than being pulled across a constructed story forcing them to go from point A to B. The characters do what they want, not what they're told. There is something about this movie that reflects real life and relationships in a way that is true and unhindered.
The Dish & The Spoon feels like a secret roller coaster ride that we get to experience with these two strangers as they grope for some sort of emotional connection and personal understanding over a few unlikely days.
It's a brave film that I'm glad I experienced and hope to see in theaters!
