Arlo and Julie

Arlo and Julie is an independent romantic-comedy movie released in 2014, directed and written by Steve Mims. Featuring a unique tale of love, mystery, and puzzles, the movie brings together an ensemble cast with Alex Dobrenko, Ashley Rae Spillers, and Sam Eidson in leading roles. The film spins an intriguing story set against the backdrop of Austin, Texas, where the life of a loving couple is disrupted by an unexpected mystery that both puzzles and sustains them.

The film's protagonist, Arlo (Alex Dobrenko), works as a software designer. He shares a quiet, domestic life with his girlfriend, Julie (Ashley Rae Spillers), who works in the service industry. They appear to lead an ordinary life filled with playful banter, warm comfort, time-shared with close friends, and a mutual appreciation for the obscure musician, Robert Johnson. Their simple, content life gets turned upside down when they start receiving anonymous packages at their doorstep.

The packages, which arrive in no particular order, contain pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The origin of the packages or the identity of the sender is a mystery, and their purpose is equally unclear. Both Arlo and Julie, being driven by curiosity, begin to painstakingly assemble the puzzle pieces. Their quiet, tranquil life starts revolving around these packages and their content. Their fascination with the enigma slowly turns into an obsession, creating a slight rift in their relationship. However, they remain united in their quest to solve the mysterious puzzle that has insinuated itself into their lives. The daily anticipation of the packages and the subsequent assemblage of the puzzle presents a psychological and emotional journey for both characters.

Mims uses this seemingly simple narrative to delve into complex aspects of human curiosity, relationships, and perseverance. The story draws parallels between the couple's life and the incoming puzzle pieces, showcasing how an external element can impact a relationship. The mystery shrouding the parcels brings up themes of obsession and intrigue, revealing the characters' development and transformation as they navigate the unexpected.

As the puzzle figuratively and literally begins to take shape, there's a twist in the tale. Although the puzzle presents a mystery, it also catalyzes their everyday routine, bringing moments of exhilaration and anticipation. Rather than normalcy, routine, and predictability, their life is filled with expectation and curiosity about the next piece of the puzzle. With every piece assembled, the couple moves a step closer to solving the intriguing puzzle that has seamlessly intertwined with their life. While it may seem absurd to some, their obsession with the puzzle also brings them closer together, leading them onto a chaotic yet endearing journey.

A noteworthy aspect of Arlo and Julie is its charming and quirky humor, which is present throughout, embedding warmth and light appeal within the puzzling narrative. The dialogues are smartly written and are delivered with comedic timing, which balances the palpable tension and curiosity underlying the plot. The music score is another element that sets the tone of the film, with a beautiful mix of upbeat and mellow tunes that complement the movie's tempo, much like kooky background scores of detective or mystery series from an earlier era.

The performances by the lead actors Alex Dobrenko and Ashley Rae Spillers are engaging and authentic. They beautifully bring out the inherent simplicity of Arlo and Julie's characters, enhancing it with their chemistry and synchronized performances. Dobrenko's Arlo is charming, endearing, and compelling, while Spillers' portrayal of Julie is relatable, strong, and insightful. They convincingly portray a loving couple thrown in the midst of an unexpected conundrum.

Arlo and Julie is definitely more than its synopsis. Steve Mims has effectively combined the elements of love, comedy, mystery, and suspense to weave a movie that is delightful and captivating. The film strikes a balance between simplicity and complexity, normalcy and absurdity, romance, and mystery, delivering a unique and memorable cinematic experience. Its charm lies in its unpredictability and the quirky chemistry of its lead actors. The film is an enjoyable watch for those who love a good mystery, crave interesting characters, and seek a story that sticks with you long after the end credits roll.