Chronically Metropolitan

Chronically Metropolitan is a 2016 American comedic drama film that is both charmingly humorous and touchingly dramatic. The film is a vivid portrayal of contemporary life in New York, populated with unconventional characters and a complex narrative. It is directed by Xavier Manrique, written by Nicholas Schutt, and stars an ensemble cast featuring Shiloh Fernandez, Chris Noth, and Victor Cruz among others.

The film unfolds around the life of the protagonist Fenton Dillane (played by Shiloh Fernandez), whose life is as multifaceted and enigmatic as the city itself. Fenton is a young author who has distanced himself from his family for a year after the publication of his novel that was thinly veiled fiction about the trials and tribulations of his family. Forced to return home due to a family emergency, he must confront his not-so-rosy past and confront the issues he had carefully avoided.

More characters continue to unfold, thickening the plot as Fenton makes his return. Chris Noth plays the role of Fenton's father, Christopher, an established writer engrossed in his private world of imagination. However, he is also a man burdened by his own fallacies and sins that have led to a creeping alienation within his family.

The women in Fenton's life add further layers to this already intriguing slice of life. As Fenton's tough and charming sister Jill, Addison Timlin delivers a performance that is both endearing and captivating, while Fenton's ex-girlfriend Jessie played by Ashley Benson, provides him with a harsh reality check and represents the loose ends of his romantic life.

Victor Cruz plays Hector, a peculiar taxi driver who forms an unlikely friendship with Fenton. Cruz stands out with his significant contribution to the story's comic sense in this otherwise poignant narrative.

While the film is essentially a comedy, it deftly tackles themes of broken relationships, the trauma of a lost love, and facing the charm and confusion of youth. The narrative masterfully fuses elements to create humor out of the absurdities of everyday life, making the audience laugh while touching upon the deep-seated pain within the characters.

The city of New York forms an integral character in the narrative, mysteriously intertwining the lives of the characters and playing a crucial role in their emotional journeys. The city's distinct personality, the eclectic mix of its inhabitants, and its bustling cityscape are beautifully captured, making the audience feel a part of it.

Speaking of performances, every actor does justice to their given roles. Shiloh Fernandez flawlessly encapsulates the guilt and confusion of Fenton, making the audience empathize with his struggles. Chris Noth is particularly potent as the flawed father, presenting a delicate balance of humor and pathos. Ashley Benson and Addison Timlin provide the necessary grit, charm, and emotion, making their characters etched in viewer's mind long afterwards.

Chronically Metropolitan's screenplay deserves a special mention as it creates a delicately woven story of the characters' intertwined lives, with numerous threads that go on revealing unexpected layers throughout. It balances humor and melancholy with profoundness and surface simplicity, making for an atypical viewing experience.

Throughout the movie, the characters regularly cross path with each other, publishing houses, traditional diners, and art galleries, thereby providing a vivid impression of Manhattan. This cosmopolitan landscape adds a gritty and genuine feel to the movie, making it a metropolitan symphony of sorts.

Under the direction of Xavier Manrique, the movie brings to life raw characters that resonate with the audience, making them feel their joy, sorrow, and desolation. The film's pace is leisurely, allowing the audience to soak in the experience and feel connected with the characters. The clever direction and cohesiveness of the plot tie the audience and the story together, creating an intimate experience.

Visually, the film is a beautiful piece of art, with scenes brimming with the energy of New York, from roadside hot dog stands to sophisticated art galleries, effectively capturing the city's pulse.

In conclusion, Chronically Metropolitan is about family, relationships, and the journey of coming to terms with one's past. This movie is a thoughtful exploration of life's complexities, depicted with a blend of humor and depth, making it a commendable cinematic experience. It's an interesting watch for those who enjoy films that combine comedy, drama, and an authentic depiction of city life.