Applesauce

Applesauce is an engaging, dark comedy-drama film directed by Onur Tukel and released in 2015. The film casts Max Casella, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Jennifer Prediger, and Dylan Baker in central roles. The movie showcases an intricate blend of suspense, humor and psychological exploration that keeps the audience hooked. At the core of it all, the narrative delves into the complex dynamics of relationships, personal growth, and perilous effects of past actions haunting the present.

The film opens with the central character, Ron Welz, played by Max Casella. Ron is a high-school teacher in New York City, who finds himself in a seemingly ordinary, yet unnerving, radio call-in show. The host poses a predicament question to listeners about sharing the worst thing they've ever committed. Intriguingly, Ron finds himself in the hot seat, a decision that sparks the chain of events in the narrative.

Casella excellently depicts Ron as a jovial man with an easy-going personality but quickly switch to express anxiety, distress, and fear as the plot unfolds. His transformation from a happy, laid-back character into a man fending off his personal demons from the past provides a riveting backbone to the storyline.

Trieste Kelly Dunn lends her prowess to the character of Nickie, Ron's wife. Dunn does an admirable job, presenting Nickie as a resilient woman who withstands life's turbulences with grace, strength, and a touch of humor. The duo, Griggs and Nickie, may initially appear as an everyday, unremarkable couple, but as their lives descend into chaos, they both represent the creeping paranoia and the crumbling safety of an ordinary life.

Jennifer Prediger steps into the shoes of Kate, a pivotal character in the storyline, and gives a commendable performance. She brings to the table intrigue, keeping the audience guessing about her true nature and intentions. Her mysterious aura and complex personality add more layers and depth to the overall plot.

Dylan Baker also merits mention. He portrays Stevie Bricks, a radio show host whose knack for asking probing questions becomes central to the plot's progression. Stevie's nonchalant demeanor while shedding light on the darkest corners of his caller's lives establishes his character as one that influencers the storyline significantly.

The film's title, "Applesauce," is drawn from a quote in the film and is metaphorical to the narrative. This speaks volumes about the subtle, yet profound subtext hidden between the lines of sitcom-like humor and light-hearted moments.

Furthermore, the film's pacing understands the need for slow-burn suspense. Tukel masterfully uses terrifying elements and uncanny humor, blending them well into intense, dramatic situations, ensuring a distinctly unnerving experience for the audience. He smartly embeds various themes in the narrative, such as repentance, guilt, and its lingering effect on the human psyche. The tense moments and unexpected plot turns command the audience's attention, forcing them to question how the past can creep into the lives of the protagonists and gradually cause their ordinary world to spin out of control.

Applesauce leans heavily into the genre of dark comedy coupled with suspense to create thrilling plot contours and engaging dialogue. It offers an exciting change from the traditional comedy-drama films, delicately tiptoeing the line between crime and comedy.

Cinematically, Applesauce stands out with compelling camera work and visually engaging frames. The atmospheric New York cityscape, combined with the reliance on internal settings, enhances the degree of intimacy in the scenes, bringing the characters' growing unease to life. The sound design and the background score further amplify the suspenseful air, contributing to the overall psychological intensity and depth of the film.

Applesauce is ideal for audiences who enjoy a fascinating blend of suspense and comedy. It is a wild ride through ordinary lives that take extraordinary turns. Despite its unsettling undertones, the film effectively strikes a balance with humor and suspense, ensuring a thoroughly entertaining experience. Boasting strong performances and an engaging script, Applesauce does not shy away from pushing genre boundaries and is certainly a title that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.