A Year and Change

A Year and Change is an American independent film released in 2015, marking the directorial debut of Stephen Suettinger. It features a cast that includes Bryan Greenberg (from How to Make it in America and One Tree Hill) leading as the protagonist, supported by T.R. Knight (of Grey's Anatomy fame), and Claire van der Boom (known for her work in Hawaii Five-0 and The Square).

Set in a suburban landscape, A Year and Change explores life’s unpredictability, emphasizing the power of change and the importance of embracing it. Our lead actor, Bryan Greenberg, plays the role of Owen, a vending machine proprietor who, at the onset, sets the tone to the narrative with a life-altering tumble at a New Year's Eve party. This unfortunate event acts as a catalyst leading him to reconsider his life and the choices he has made thus far.

Initially depicted as a slacker, Owen has a stagnating personal and professional life until his fall triggers an introspection. Greenberg effectively conveys the complex emotions of a man seeking transformations, replete with humor and sensitivity. He begins analyzing his aimless trajectory, stricken with guilt about not being a better father to his six-year-old son from a previous relationship and regret over his string of failed romances.

T.R Knight plays Owen's best friend, making choices of his own, adding complexity to the storyline as an individual fighting with his identity and seeking solace and acceptance. Here, Knight moves away from his Grey's Anatomy persona and demonstrates a broad range of acting skills.

Claire van der Boom portrays Vera, who sparks a romantic interest in Owen's life and acts as an agent of positive change. Despite her own troubled past, she imbibes a sense of maturity and subtlety that aids in Owen's transformation journey.

A Year and Change is more than a journey of self-discovery for Owen; it depicts life's imperfections and the possibility of renewal. It explores how a spontaneous event can trigger a series of changes that lead to profound life transformations. The film also delves into themes of fatherhood, friendship, redemption, love, acceptance, and the courage to change.

The audience is presented with relatable characters dealing with relatable circumstances, as the director successfully keeps the movie grounded in reality. We see the characters adapt, evolve, and learn from their mistakes, all the while navigating the complex labyrinth that is life.

Stephen Suettinger does an outstanding job in terms of film direction, capturing different moods and sentiments with a keen understanding of human emotions. The dialogue is crisp and engaging, while the cinematography authentically captures the suburban ambiance. The well-selected soundtrack does an impressive job of effectively conveying the inner turmoil and fleeting moments of joy of the characters.

The performances of the cast are praiseworthy. Bryan Greenberg has put in a heartwarming performance and carries the film on his shoulder with absolute ease. His portrayal of Owen's transformation is understated and believable. T.R Knight is unpretentious as Owen's best friend and puts up an equally compelling performance, while Claire van der Boom is charming and delivers an authentic performance, providing the necessary push for Owen's character to evolve.

A Year and Change is not your typical feel-good movie; it is thoughtful and provoking. It offers a glimpse into the profound transformations we encounter in our journeys that shape us into remorseful, forgiving, loving, accepting, and changed individuals. The film brings a fresh perspective of how we view change, as something not to shy away from, but to embrace wholeheartedly.

In conclusion, A Year and Change is a film about finding redemption, accepting personal failings, and creating opportunities for better tomorrows. A must watch for those who seek films with depth and meaningful narratives. It is well-crafted, superbly acted, and delivers a powerful message that resonates and leaves the audience with plenty to think about. It's a warm, authentic, and heartfelt journey through the upheavals of life, relationships, and the beauty of change.