Drugstore June is a film that explores the frustration and annoyance of June, a woman who is a source of frustration and annoyance to everyone in her life. The movie is built around the viewer spending 91 minutes with June, which generates laughs at a joke level but also allows the audience to identify with the poor, exasperated souls conversing with her. The director Nicholaus Goossen, who wrote the script with Esther Povitsky, uses the camera, music, and performances to create a cohesive atmosphere that is indie-comedy quirky but specific enough to allow for some intentional playfulness. The storyworld is somewhat off-kilter, but June is strange by their standards. The film's structure means that her scene partners often determine whether things are working, and mileage may vary significantly. The best moments either have a strong narrative frame or feature characters that collide with June's energy in an interesting way. Some of the best moments include interrogations by two detectives after Bill's pharmacy is robbed, a hostile encounter with her old boss, and delightful back-and-forth with Owen and his friends over pancakes. Beverly D'Angelo as June's mother is also a standout, making the most of every moment she's onscreen. However, the sibling dynamic between June and her brother Jonathan works less well, and the full family scenes generally aren't as engaging as June's investigation of the robbery. Drugstore June is a comedy that showcases the limitations of its director, June. The character's development arc is a highlight, but the filming lacks sincerity. The film is a comedic construct, making it difficult to expect real change from June. Despite this, June learns from the inconsistencies and the film is still funny. It creatively approaches a deceptively ambitious setup without overstaying its welcome. While some ideas feel like raw versions of what could be refined in future films, Drugstore June is a worthwhile watch in an uninspiring month for new theatrical movies.
