Landline

1995 was a far simpler time for interpersonal communication, right? Well, at the very least, Gillian Robespierre's "Landline" would have played out much differently set in the smartphone era. The "Obvious Child" filmmaker re-teams with co-writer Elisabeth Holm and star Jenny Slate to tell the story of a Manhattan family that appears to be falling apart when the teenage daughter discovers evidence that her father's having an affair.

As with "Obvious Child," no topic is off limits for Robespierre, especially not sex, drugs and other poor choices. Teenager Ali (Abby Quinn) is a rebel child who sneaks off to clubs and dabbles in hard drugs; working professional Dana (Slate) becomes disenchanted with her fiancé (Jay Duplass) and starts falling for a high school ex and there's no shortage of outspoken marital discord between the father (John Turturro) and mother (Edie Falco).

Robespierre handles each of the film's serious issues in earnest, but there's a comedic whimsy that floats through every scene, especially when Slate is involved. Robespierre and Holm's voice as a writing duo is unfiltered - both mature and immature at the same time. Slate does her best work in that gray area and continues to be an underutilized talent. Turturro and Falco are no slouches (in a year with some great movie parents) and they also recognize the dual tones of the film, even if they don't get to hold the narrative for much of the runtime.

Moments of human connection are the touchstones of this story, especially under humorous pretenses. Not all that much about these moments is profound, but they're honest and relatable - nothing is fake or manipulated for comedy to an extent that feels aimed at laughter more than truth. And even though the '90s setting feels mostly about fun throwback references, it works to the film's advantage in creating a greater contrast between scenes of in-person connection and moments when characters distance themselves from each other. In today's world, there is no separation.

"Landline" would have made more of a splash if in the end it wasn't simply a film about owning up to and accepting flaws. It arrives there on its own thoughtful path - an agreeable path that's true to its characters - but the themes are just a little obvious. For the right viewer at the right time, however, they will strike home in a deep way.

A good example of the really positive direction independent coming-of-age films have taken in the 2010s, "Landline" shows that Robespierre has a deep understanding of what kind of storytelling is resonating with young adults. Namely, she understands formula and situation and anything remotely glossy doesn't cut it. Her film exudes the authenticity, specifically the desire to dig into the questioning and unflattering sides of ourselves, that more mainstream films sorely lack.

~Steven C

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This film tells the story of two sisters who discover that their father is having an affair. They deal with it in different ways.

The story also tells the love story of every major character in the film. It tells how every person relates to the world around them, and how they connect with their significant others. It is very real life like, and hence it can feel draggy and boring at times. All the couples involved have different outcomes, and it gets interesting and reflective at the end.

In 2017's mediocre New York family drama "Landline" Jenny Slate cheats on decent fiancée Jay Duplass (with Finn Wittrock) while her younger sister Abby Quinn (best performance here) continues rebelling against their parents: uptight careerist Edie Falco; & laid-back academic John Turturro (who may or may not be cheating himself). Co-writer (with Elisabeth Holm) / director Gillian Robespierre does an ok (though not best in class) job evoking the 1995 setting and balancing the story lines & tones (though it coulda been snappier with more humour woven into the drama). It's watchable enough fare (especially for the ladies) but sure won't pull up any trees.

Landline Cheating on your spouse in the 1990s was more acceptable because the President was doing it. However, according to this comedy it didn't make it any less upsetting on the children. While twenty-something-year-old Dana (Jenny Slate) is cheating on her fiancé (Jay Duplass) with her ex (Finn Wittrock), she learns from her teenage sister Ali (Abby Quinn) that their father (John Turturro) has been having an affair on their mother (Edie Falco). This bombshell not only helps to reconnect the estranged siblings, but also forces Dana to confront her own infidelity and for Ali to face her growing drug addiction. While it's enjoyable to relive the nineties, there is little else to enjoy about this run-of-the-mill period piece. With a derivative narrative about a New York affair, flat punch lines and unlikeable leads, Landline is best left disconnected. Besides, who needed to cheat in the 1990s when landlines offered 3-way? Red Light

I was rather surprised by Landline. For one thing it's about two sisters and neither had an infectious disease neither was a serial killer, prostitute or wearing spandex in the Marvel Universe.

Just some real drama and although spotty here and there script wise there was some really very telling moments about the sisters here. The big deal in the film is that dear old dad is something of a 'man whore' I suppose you'd say. Played rather carelessly by fine actor John Turturro. The guy is honestly a bit of a slump.

More interestingly is the affair of the older sister Dana, played very nicely by actress Jenny Slate, she and her younger sister Ali, Abby Quinn are sterling as sisters, really sympatico.

The ending felt right as well with dad slumping in, I mean I don't see Harvey Weinstein catching a break!

Still, sisters rarely get to be shown on the big screen and here I liked the tough but knowing interplay between them. I'd of liked to see more of them if this were a series instead of a movie.

There is some drag however, a sort of malaise to the action that draws on too long. The film could have used a more savvy Editor, I hate to get tech with you here, I mean this isn't AFI... but the Editor is very, very important! Especially one who isn't swayed by a Director who is often a tad too close to the material.

Lastly is the time 1995, wow, I'd forgotten how cool it could be back then. It was great to see this decade again. Which is surprising to say the least!

See Landline, some of you may really hate it but I think many of you might like it too.