An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn

//Revelation Film Festival Review//

An absurdist comedy from the mind behind The Greasy Strangler, Jim Hoskings' sophomore effort is the cinematic equivalent of a joke without a punchline. It sits on the screen awkwardly and bereft of purpose, moving from one stilted scene to the next. While it would be easy to dismiss the film early on, Hosking proves himself in complete control over his style as he revels in the awkwardness to increasingly effective result.

The story follows a woman (played by Aubrey Plaza) stuck in a disagreeable marriage. After a botched murder attempt on her husband she decides to run away with a hitman to an old motel where an old flame of hers, Beverley Luff Linn, is performing for "one magical night only". So ensues a number of bizarre occurrences, many of which defy explanation, leading up to the special night.

Craig Robinson is the standout as the titular Luff Linn, a mysterious performer who communicates in a series of grunts to comical effect. The film is certainly one of the stranger films showing at the Revelation Film Festival and it won't be for everyone but attune to its wavelength and there are laughs to be found in the inanity.

I've wondered over the past few days whether this film is awful, or possibly my favourite film of the last 5 years. I'm leaning towards the latter.

An Evening with Beverly Luff Lunn is a strange movie with disjointed dialogue, weird acting with some strange but great cinematography that's just incredibly fun to watch. The movie has a simple plot and has many elements that are similar to a parody of a Wes Anderson movie but it's just something unique and interesting in its weirdness that doesn't try to be pretentious whilst doing so.

It's just one of those films that won't be in my top 5 of 2018 but I definitely don't regret watching. It's very stylish and weird as you would expect if you watched or even heard about The Greasy Strangler. The director has a unique vision and sense of style in the way that he makes his films that isn't remarkable but it's hard to look away from. Which, whilst disconnected and strange throughout most of the film actually has a touching ending.

Tired of waiting for the next live-action Wes Anderson or Edgar Wright film, want something that feels simple but weird and crazy at the same time then this will be for you. It's a great film to watch if you want a few laughs or just to watch something totally out there. A very good film will rewatch again, I'm going to give it a read the review/10.

This movie is meant for a very niche audience. It was not created to make money or win awards. However, there is a lot of love put into this movie full of awful people mostly being awful to each other. I adored the minimalist electronic soundtrack. The over the top performances. The 70's/early 80's inspired retro decor, costumes, makeup and hair. Just everything with the style of the movie. It's almost like taking a step back in time for me.

Most people will not get this movie, but for those that do it's a real treat IMO.

Not a lot to say really... Probably one the strangest films I've ever seen but that's by no means a bad thing! A great cast, locations and music. Little lacking in the story department but don't let that put you off - just give it a watch for Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry!