Independent Film Festival Boston 2009

Director Andrew Bujalski and actor Alex Karpovsky in attendance.

One of the brightest stars of indie filmmaking today, Andrew Bujalski has made a name for himself with works of slice-of-life realism imbued with quirky humor and yearning protagonists. As with his past works, FUNNY HA HA and MUTUAL APPRECIATION (IFFBoston 2005), BEESWAX dwells firmly in the struggles of everyday life. But the film takes a deeper, more mature look at intimacy and material practicality, raising the emotional and financial stakes for its characters. Commitment replaces flirtatious hesitation as the focus here, and even the texture of Bujalski’s trademark choice of grainy film stock––so novel in this digital age––seems a symbol of faithful devotion.

The film centers on two fully developed female characters, one of whom is paraplegic; refreshingly, this detail is never foregrounded but simply exists as a fact of life. Jeannie, the co-owner of a small vintage-clothing shop in Austin, is embroiled in a dispute with a business partner who has intimidating legal knowledge. Her twin sister, Lauren, is flailing when it comes to romance and her career, but unwavering in her devotion to Jeannie. Seeking legal advice from Lauren’s ex, Merill (played by Alex Karpovsky, director of this year’s festival selection TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE), Jeannie ends up in bed with him. The funny and tender interaction among these three unique characters forms the emotional center of this charming film.

- Kristina Aikens