A Short History of Decay

A Short History of Decay is an enchanting drama framed within a premise of human nature and the inevitability of life’s transitions. Released in 2014 and directed by Michael Maren, this boutique cinematic piece stars Emmanuelle Chriqui, Bryan Greenberg, and Harris Yulin amongst its diverse and dynamic cast.

The film takes an intimate look at the life of Nathan Fisher (Bryan Greenberg), focusing on his existential crisis, which strikes at the most inopportune juncture in his life. He is a struggling writer staying in Brooklyn, whose life is riddled with personal and professional disappointments. He just can't seem to get his foot in the door in the literary world, while his romantic relationship with his girlfriend, Erika (Emmanuelle Chriqui), has begun to unravel.

Following this personal turmoil, Nathan is then confronted with an urgent family emergency that forces him to return home to Florida. His father, Harry (Harris Yulin), a sarcastic yet charming former professor, suffers a debilitating stroke, and his mother, Sandy (Linda Lavin), is dealing with the early stages of Alzheimer's. This sudden and tragic turn thrusts Nathan back into the fray of his fractured family dynamics, compelling him to navigate these complex relationships while grappling with his own identity crisis.

A Short History of Decay delves into the crux of finding meaning in life's chaos. Nathan's journey is full of hurdles and disappointments, but it’s also tinged with hope and longing. He grapples with the uncomfortable reality of watching his vibrant parents decline, confronting his own fears about mortality and decay. As he navigates this path, he's opened to rediscover himself and his capacity to care for his loved ones.

The film operates at different levels— at once a familial drama, a distinct observation on the aging process, and a personal journey of finding meaning. The narrative presents the pathos rawly, exploiting the heart-rending effects of time's passing hand and gentle decay, only to contrast it with unique moments of warmth, humor, and love, which are weaved intricaciously throughout the storyline. This balance effectively demonstrates that life’s beauty and imperfections often exist side by side.

Bryan Greenberg, as Nathan, embodies the everyman, translating moments of despair, frustration, and acceptance with a riveting performance. He’s adeptly complemented by Emmanuelle Chiriqi, who brings a touching vulnerability to Erika, depicting a woman grappling with her own questions of love and commitment. The duo weaves a fraught relationship that manages to resonate long after its conclusion.

Harris Yulin and Linda Lavin steal the show as Nathan’s parents. Their portrayal of a long-married couple dealing with health crises is a mix of affectionate bickering, shared history, and a visceral sense of the love that keeps them together amidst their struggles. It presents a touching portrait of an ageing couple navigating their twilight years with grace, poignancy, and a sense of humor.

A significant subplot in 'A Short History of Decay' is the evolution of relationships - the ones we choose and the ones we’re born into. Visually, the movie presents a rich color palette resonating with the Florida landscape. Characters are framed within the scenic backgrounds that mirror their state of mind, enhancing the narrative thread.

Director Michael Maren ensures that the story operates on a sub-textual level, where the film’s title metaphorically represents not just the physical decline due to age or relationship frescos peeling away, but also character evolutions and the layers of self-discovery peeled back over time. Maren’s direction is defined by resonance and grace, and his ability to show the extraordinary in the ordinary is truly remarkable.

‘A Short History of Decay’ becomes a cinematic treat because it virtualizes the real-life experiences that people tend to turn a blind eye to. It is transcending in confronting its audience with life's essence, confronting the truth of our mortality, and illustrating the importance of kinship and the profundity of love. It’s a poignant, heartfelt dramedy that manages to find light even in the darkest corners, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a refined, thoughtful cinematic experience.