Olympic Dreams

Bare with me little off topic, athletes life is short, participating in Olympic shall be all athletes dream. The effort each of them behind I can tell is indescribable, it's a tragedy if Tokyo Olympic is cancelled, even delay for 2 years, some athletes may be not physically fit or in his/her best form to play. Watching this movie makes me even more emotional when seeing athletes step in the award ceremony but this scene may be not seen in this year summer :(. The story itself is ok given the background happening in Olympic village is first time filmed. Just hope Tokyo Olympic will go on as usual.

Though this type of movie is not really my cup of tea, I found it strangely appealing and filmed completely inside an Olympic village (which was a bit different). The main story concerns a young Olympian girl (who is the sole competitor from Armenia) and an awkward romance with a much older Olympic dentist. I can understand why some would love it and others not take to it at all. Despite the awful title, I'm really pleased to have seen it.

A captivating love story set amidst the energetic atmosphere of the Winter Olympics. Directed by Jeremy Teicher and featuring Alexi Pappas and Nick Kroll this movie combines romance, sports and the excitement of the events. Despite its aspects the film also exhibits some flaws.

One of the film's most distinctive features is its setting within the real-life Olympic Village during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, which adds a layer of realism and excitement, providing viewers with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lives of athletes and the atmosphere of the Games. Alexi Pappas, a real-life Olympian, brings a genuine and heartfelt performance as Penelope, a cross-country skier, and her chemistry with Nick Kroll, who plays the charming but lonely volunteer dentist Ezra, feels organic and sincere. Their interactions are often sweet and endearing, capturing the tentative steps of a budding romance. The film's semi-improvised approach lends it a spontaneous and authentic feel, with dialogue that often feels unscripted, adding to the film's sense of intimacy and immediacy.

While the film's slice-of-life style can be charming, it also means that the plot often meanders and lacks a strong narrative drive, which may leave some viewers feeling disengaged. The central romance, though sweet, sometimes feels underdeveloped and lacking in dramatic tension. The film's relaxed pace can be a double-edged sword: while it allows for naturalistic moments and character development, it also causes the story to drag at times, with certain scenes feeling prolonged without adding significant depth to the characters or the plot. Despite the film's intimate approach, some characters feel one-dimensional; Penelope and Ezra are charming, but their backstories and personal growth are not deeply explored, making it challenging for viewers to fully invest in their journey.

This film was a delight. Touching, moving, raw, funny. The performances felt very real, even from the Olympians who probably had never acted before. The filmmaker was a one man crew and you wouldn't have guessed after watching it. Nick Kroll killed it. I recommend this movie.

Other reviews have likened this to Lost in Translation and that comparison is spot on. It's the more awkward (yes really!), Geekier, low budget version and I'm just fine with that. Using the real Olympic village during the Olympics is a hugely effective backdrop to the disjointed relationship between two people who feel lost at sea in an ocean of human apathy. The one man camera crew gives access to intimate moments that just aren't possible with a big set up. Quietly affecting, melancholy but with moments of wonder. This movie deserves a watch. 7/10