A Wonderful Cloud

A Wonderful Cloud is a refreshing and unique romantic indie comedy filmed in 2015 under the keen direction of Eugene Kotlyarenko. The film, which is partly autobiographical, is a quirky exploration of modern relationships that captures the subtle nuances, hilarity, and misery of love in our contemporary world. It brings to the fore a raw, endearing, and thoughtfully honest look at the youthful trials and tribulations of love.

The plot revolves around the equally fascinating and diverging lives of Katelyn (played by Lauren Avery) and Eugene (played by Eugene Kotlyarenko himself). They are former lovers entwined in a classic tale of lovers-turned-enemies, but who still find their lives unavoidably intertwined. Katelyn, an artsy free spirit with a penchant for impromptu dancing and personal reinvention, has flown from the east coast to Los Angeles to shut down the remnants of a joint business venture with Eugene.

Eugene, an eccentric affable character with wry humor, approach to life is somewhat messy but always with the next great plan in mind. The business they shared was a clothing line that Eugene was unable to manage successfully following their breakup, forcing Katelyn to make the trip.

Upon her arrival in Los Angeles, Katelyn is thrust into a whirlwind of an environment that is Eugene's life brimming with offbeat friends, casual hookups, frustratingly fruitless business meeting, and absurd parties. Characters such as exhibitionist Natalie (played by Brande Bytheway) and the cynical buddy Reggie (Elisha Drons) add splash of color, exaggeration and authentic LA vibe, offering riotous laughter and food for thought throughout their appearances.

As the story progresses, both Katelyn and Eugene are pushed to reassess their feelings for each other as well as their personal ambitions and individual idiosyncrasies. Yet, the film doesn't get weighed down by the vehement drama or emotional crises that often permeate such storylines. Instead, A Wonderful Cloud maintains its light, comic undertone, mixing uncomfortable scenarios, intimate interactions, past reminiscences, and awkward encounters with a dash of spontaneity.

Aesthetic and artistic elements throughout A Wonderful Cloud are varied and often affirmatively experimental, catered to a unique indie vibe. The cinematography is poetic and real, drawing out the allure and eccentricity of LA and its millennial culture. It casually alternates between different styles, often using non-professional actors, and aimless narratives in a script that feels heavily improvised, enhancing the raw authenticity that permeates the movie.

The film's title, A Wonderful Cloud, is metaphorically significant. It reflects the complex emotional cloud under which the characters function, which is prickly and awkward, yet wonderful in many ways. The cloud symbolizes the complications, memories, and possibly unresolved feelings that shade the characters' interactions, and how they navigate these complexities forms the meat of the story.

It's worth noting that Avery and Kotlyarenko, despite being real-life ex-lovers, appear incredibly comfortable on-screen, their natural chemistry layered with the nuanced awkwardness of their past resonates throughout the film. They deliver commendable performances, allowing their personalities to infuse their characters with authentic emotions. Their performances, along with the supporting cast, contribute heavily to the film's realism and charm.

A Wonderful Cloud is an unconventional ode to modern relationships, asserting that closure is a myth and that it's perfectly alright to feel weird and complicated. Delivered with both a searing reality and a comic touch, the film underscores the messiness of life without ever failing to highlight its beauty and wonders in an honest but comical way.

This movie provides a fascinating, albeit unusual, exploration of love, heartbreak, and the ensuing sense of loneliness that often creeps into relationships. It is a distinctly stylish, at times uncomfortable, yet always engaging, look at personal growth and the idea of moving on in a world that doesn't quite make sense.

In conclusion, A Wonderful Cloud is a brisk, boldly original, and charmingly oddball slice of indie cinema that is worth watching for those who appreciate independent filmmaking and movies that offer a real, unfiltered look at relationships and life at large. It renews the romantic comedy genre in an entertaining, insightful, and though-provoking way, proving that sometimes, main-stream narratives don't offer the authenticity and uniqueness that independent films can deliver. With its clumsy love, tangible discomfort, and heartfelt humor, A Wonderful Cloud is a wonderfully unique cinematic experience.