Butter on the Latch

Butter on the Latch is an American drama film released in 2013 that explores the complexities of female friendships, the psychological impacts of solitude, and the unsettling nature of distorted reality. This low-budget, experimental movie marks the directorial debut of independent filmmaker Josephine Decker. The film sees the collaboration of a talented cast including Sarah Small, Isolde Chae-Lawrence and Charlie Hewson, who all work closely together to engender an enveloping atmosphere and a unique viewing experience.

The film delves into the enigmatic world of female friendships, beginning with communications between two friends, Sarah (Sarah Small) and Isolde (Isolde Chae-Lawrence) post a disturbing phone call. They then plan to take a break from their chaotic city lives and reunite at a Balkan music camp nestled in the heart of California's Redwood forest. Much of the movie’s charm comes from the idyllic setting amidst sprawling trees and simple living, which starkly contrasts the inner turmoil and complexity of the characters.

Small, an accomplished actress, delivers a riveting performance as Sarah, a young woman navigating her emotions and traumas. Chae-Lawrence, playing Isolde, complements Sarah's character with her own compelling performance. Charlie Hewson, meanwhile, turns in a sturdy performance as Steph, a fellow camper and a romantic interest that add to the brewing tension and escalating confusion.

The film is unique in its narrative style. It is not linear, rather it ebbs and flows like a dream or a memory. The lines between fact and fantasy, reality and dreams blur and dissolve as the film progresses. This kind of narration lends a kind of surreality to the plot which keeps the audience enthralled, pushing them to untangle the intricate webs of the story.

Butter on the Latch is an experimental film where the camera plays an imperative role. Decker uses handheld camera techniques to achieve a sense of realism and immediacy. The viewers are placed in the midst of the characters' unfolding stories giving a sense of deep engagement with the plot. The richness of image quality despite being a low-budget film, adds visually stunning elements to the storytelling.

Moreover, the rich musical backdrop of the Balkan camp plays a significant role in setting the mood for the film, with entrancing, melancholic tunes often setting the stage for the movie's key moments. The melodies are deeply emotional and serve to heighten the atmospheric tension.

Despite being a drama, the movie holds an element of suspense, as the unfolding dynamics of the friend duo and the insertion of romantic elements make for a psychological thriller-type aspect. The lush, enchanting background of the Redwood forest, the haunting Balkan music, and the fraught, complicated friendships, combines to give Butter on the Latch a feel of an uncanny, unsettling fairytale.

The movie gains its strength from its complex character study, presenting an intricate picture of female relationships and exploring themes of identity, desire and dread that lurk beneath the surface. The insecurities, passions, and volatile emotions of the characters are depicted in a way that seems real and almost tangible.

The direction is innovative and presents a unique lens to the viewer to experience the narrative. Decker seems to excel at creating a visually challenging and uncomfortable yet captivatingly beautiful tapestry of images that seems to parallel the messy challenges of navigating female friendships.

Butter on the Latch becomes a fascinating cinematic experience that vacillates between dreamy surrealism and unsettling psychological drama. Its plot is beautifully layered, vehemently defying traditional film dynamics and packaging a raw, ethereal narrative. It's an intriguing meditation on the human psyche and emotional vulnerability, presented in a manner that's both eerie and compelling.

This film continues to churn the mind of viewers long after they've watched it, leaving them contemplating the intricate relationships, the layered characters and the dreamlike narrative that Josephine Decker weaves together. It's for an audience that appreciates experimental cinema, and those willing to immerse themselves in its immersive storytelling and stunning visual representation.

Butter on the Latch is not just a movie — it's an unforgettable journey into the world of human emotions, tangled relationships and blooming self-awareness. This film artfully captures the essence of life's unpredictability and the scrutiny of one's inner self amidst the external chaos. It blurs the lines between metaphysical and physical, between the unsaid and the expressed, essentially inviting viewers into a world where reality is uncertain and emotions run deep.