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SXSW Review: Beeswax

Filed under: SXSW », Theatrical Reviews »



The latest film by Andrew Bujalski, Beeswax had its U.S. premiere at SXSW on Monday. You might remember Bujalski's earlier features: Funny Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation. The term "mumblecore", which describes a certain kind of low-budget indie made by a certain group of people, became popular after an interview Bujalski gave about Mutual Apprecation. But I'd like to talk about Beeswax without mentioning the term and all its associated baggage. Beeswax is a good movie that does some surprising things in a quiet way.

The story in Beeswax takes a backseat to the characters and the way they communicate. Two sisters, Jeannie (Tilly Hatcher) and Lauren (Maggie Hatcher), are sharing a house in Austin. Jeannie is co-owner of a vintage clothing store, and the other owner and former friend, Amanda, is threatening to sue her or possibly buy her out. Jeannie seeks legal advice from an old friend, Merrill (Alex Karpovsky), who's preparing for his bar exam, but a barely mentioned, possibly romantic past colors their interactions. Lauren is trying to help her sister out, but is also trying to get a teaching job, which is complicated by the fact that she's interviewing with Lee (Nathan Zellner), and Lauren just broke up with Lee's brother Scott (David Zellner).

SXSW Preview: 'Sorry, Thanks,' 'St. Nick,' 'Breaking Upwards'

Filed under: SXSW », Cinematical Indie », Trailers and Clips »

Wiley Wiggins in 'Sorry, Thanks'The feature film lineup for next month's South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin, Texas has been announced and trailers have started to come out of the woodwork. This will be just my second fest but, based on last year, I can't wait. The first two are world premieres playing in the Emerging Visions showcase

Sorry, Thanks (pictured). "Good luck leading with your heart, when your heart is an utter emotional idiot." Dia Sokol's feature debut follows the travails of a woman "reeling from a brutal breakup" who has a one-night stand with a "charming, disheveled wreck" who -- oops! -- has a long-term girlfriend. Andrew Bujalski also stars. Check out the trailer at the official site, which is a bit goofy and a bit wistful, two qualities that are essential for any relationship / "where is my life heading?" movie. Plus, it has the uber-cool and understated Wiley Wiggins as the "disheveled wreck," which has to be a good sign. [Official site, via Wiley's blog It's Not for Everyone.]

St. Nick. Written and directed by David Lowery, the festival describes the film as "a stark, haunting portrait of childhood following the adventures of a runaway brother and sister as they try to survive, all on their own, out on the wintry plains of the great southwest." The beautiful, evocative trailer promises a quiet, moody trip. [Drifting: A Director's Log; via Filmmaker Magazine.]


ST. NICK trailer from ST NICK on Vimeo.

After the jump: the trailer (with one f-bomb) for Breaking Upwards.

 
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