Mediocre acting and writing, combined with a predictable plot and unlikeable cast. Gee, what could possibly go wrong?
7 Reviews
Slow, Boring, and Predictable
jessewriter7 June 2019
A beautiful representation of independent cinema.
phhoeniix23 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The Middle Distance is a story set in a mildly-reclusive and extremely cold Michigan town where two brothers - Neil and James - must clean out their late father's home before its shown to potential buyers. James brings his wife, Rebecca, who eventually must stay with Neil and fix everything up while James goes on a short-lived music tour.
First, I'm going to talk about the brilliant use of location. This movie was so submerged in snow that it felt cold and almost even withdrawn from society. At some points, it looks black and white, and that's something I really like. The film's entire atmosphere is admirable. Secondly, there's a certain comfort between the two characters that's clouded by a hovering sense of Neil's self-absorbed personality. It's one of the more dynamic and genuine character interactions I've seen to date.
I think at some points the acting is questionable, but it isn't enough to deserve a docked star. It's quite understandable why people may not like this film, but if you want to watch a well made film with a good story and good acting that's incredibly unique, here's your movie. I am looking forward to Underwood's next work.
First, I'm going to talk about the brilliant use of location. This movie was so submerged in snow that it felt cold and almost even withdrawn from society. At some points, it looks black and white, and that's something I really like. The film's entire atmosphere is admirable. Secondly, there's a certain comfort between the two characters that's clouded by a hovering sense of Neil's self-absorbed personality. It's one of the more dynamic and genuine character interactions I've seen to date.
I think at some points the acting is questionable, but it isn't enough to deserve a docked star. It's quite understandable why people may not like this film, but if you want to watch a well made film with a good story and good acting that's incredibly unique, here's your movie. I am looking forward to Underwood's next work.
Painfully Predictable
jguv-908736 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This film follows the "pompous guy falls for quirky, unavailable girl" trail without missing a cliche. Except one: Boy teaches girl how to hit a golf ball but doesn't wrap his arms around her to guide her swing. I had to laugh. Did the screenwriter think it was too obvious?
There was nothing that endeared me to either character or anything to make me believe they would fall for each other. They never consummate a relationship, but he does cook her scrambled eggs.
There was nothing that endeared me to either character or anything to make me believe they would fall for each other. They never consummate a relationship, but he does cook her scrambled eggs.
An Excercise in Sweet Darkness
gensbill21 December 2018
People tinged with darkness understand each other. Perhaps this is why the two leads are drawn into a bonding experience trying to fix the man's late father's summer home on Lake Michigan.
My taste in movies is eclectic and I've seen many movies where the dynamic between the man and woman is one of faked attraction and feelings. These two had chemistry, despite her being outwardly jolly with inner darkness and him being dark through and through.
I see myself in him -- I was born on Lake Michigan and once made the same choice as he did with the girl. I see myself a little in her as well -- we all try to hide a little bit.
Both their performances were on the money. So much so, I could swear I'd seen them both in something before, even though I didn't.
I liked this movie very much and would recommend it to anyone who would like a nice sweet story of attraction and friendship between two people who have scars that won't heal.
My taste in movies is eclectic and I've seen many movies where the dynamic between the man and woman is one of faked attraction and feelings. These two had chemistry, despite her being outwardly jolly with inner darkness and him being dark through and through.
I see myself in him -- I was born on Lake Michigan and once made the same choice as he did with the girl. I see myself a little in her as well -- we all try to hide a little bit.
Both their performances were on the money. So much so, I could swear I'd seen them both in something before, even though I didn't.
I liked this movie very much and would recommend it to anyone who would like a nice sweet story of attraction and friendship between two people who have scars that won't heal.
Pretty Phenomenal Indie Work
ckresch-473002 May 2019
Most of the time, when I watch a "festival film" there's always something that gives it away. This one, however, has no tell-tales. Acting is good. Style is absolutely mind-blowing. Character progression is heartwarming. A great watch!
Thoughtful Chekhovian Drama
lavatch25 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
There is a famous play by Anton Chekhov called "The Cherry Orchard" that is a great wellspring for thoughtful dramas like "The Middle Distance." Chekhov focuses on the leave-taking of a family that is forced to sell its home and vacate the premises. There was a similar simplicity to "The Middle Distance" that elicited the same compelling human touch as Chekhov.
The film has a symmetry with the character Neil traveling from Los Angeles across country to help settle the estate of his diseased father, sell the family home, and then to return the meat-grinder mentality of a workaholic in L.A. Neil starts as an arrogant and jaded man moving into middle age. He reunites with his younger brother James, who has a perky girlfriend named Rebecca. It is the chance meeting with Rebecca that changes Neil, and the transformation that comes over him is the major thrust of the drama.
Rebecca is a photographer, and she has been commissioned to capture images of the local landscape in conjunction with the memorial of the father of Neil and James. The filmmakers dynamically convey the winter landscape of the Midwest through their own compositional touches that serve as the prism for Rebecca's photographs.
There is a turning point in the film when, after consuming too much booze, Neil crashes his rental car into the snow. He and Rebecca then use a golf cart to travel around the community as they make last-minute repairs on the house. He guides her to some of places of his past that would make for good photography. In the wake of the car crash, Neil has the wake-up call through in his bonding with Rebecca and his journey into his past.
The film sidesteps issues of love and sex to portray the human potential of transformation. Somehow, Rebecca found a way to draw out Neil to recognize his own humanity. This was the kind of drama which a master writer like Chekhov would have been proud.
The film has a symmetry with the character Neil traveling from Los Angeles across country to help settle the estate of his diseased father, sell the family home, and then to return the meat-grinder mentality of a workaholic in L.A. Neil starts as an arrogant and jaded man moving into middle age. He reunites with his younger brother James, who has a perky girlfriend named Rebecca. It is the chance meeting with Rebecca that changes Neil, and the transformation that comes over him is the major thrust of the drama.
Rebecca is a photographer, and she has been commissioned to capture images of the local landscape in conjunction with the memorial of the father of Neil and James. The filmmakers dynamically convey the winter landscape of the Midwest through their own compositional touches that serve as the prism for Rebecca's photographs.
There is a turning point in the film when, after consuming too much booze, Neil crashes his rental car into the snow. He and Rebecca then use a golf cart to travel around the community as they make last-minute repairs on the house. He guides her to some of places of his past that would make for good photography. In the wake of the car crash, Neil has the wake-up call through in his bonding with Rebecca and his journey into his past.
The film sidesteps issues of love and sex to portray the human potential of transformation. Somehow, Rebecca found a way to draw out Neil to recognize his own humanity. This was the kind of drama which a master writer like Chekhov would have been proud.
a perfect lenght of film
ops-525358 February 2019
This was like swimming in smooth water, a lovely near romantic story about a man that goes through some final closures of life. its a close to love- story at a place , were it snows so much,you cant wait for a touch of sun and sand. what only misses is the bling moment of love that were there,but the humble male and the humble female doesnt come further than scratching the surface.....my oh my, dear director who has written this story also, make a sequel to this with the same actors,preferably finding love, that would have been a cinderella story,if you ask me.
that was a lot of bragging over the film, but it is good, i love to watch american films with real and propper snow, great scenerys, a easy story without exhageration, the filmography and editing are spot on, and the good direction is shown through free and relaxed acting. the music are not fitting my tastebuds, but i shall admit that well in to the story,i relaxed and really enjoyed the float that the score gave to the film.
as an old grumpy man i am very squemish on the drama genre, but this was great and therefore recommended.
that was a lot of bragging over the film, but it is good, i love to watch american films with real and propper snow, great scenerys, a easy story without exhageration, the filmography and editing are spot on, and the good direction is shown through free and relaxed acting. the music are not fitting my tastebuds, but i shall admit that well in to the story,i relaxed and really enjoyed the float that the score gave to the film.
as an old grumpy man i am very squemish on the drama genre, but this was great and therefore recommended.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
