Come Simi

Come Simi is an eclectic, heartfelt, and at times darkly comical independent feature film helmed in 2015 with a skillful mix of personal drama and sarcastic humor. The film boasts a compelling cast led by Jenica Bergere, with the comedic talent of Molly Shannon and the performances of the beautiful Tawny Kitaen and others.

Centrally focused on the life of the protagonist, a pregnant woman named Jenica – an effortlessly relatable character portrayed by Jenica Bergere herself – Come Simi communicates a striking narrative about family dynamics, tolerance, acceptance, love, and the circle of life which often leads us back to where we began.

The film delves into the complexities of familial relations and delivers an untamed view of their raw, sometimes outlandish, and awkwardly funny interactions. It quirky conveys how blood bonds could play out in real life, where love often tangles with frustration and exasperation.

Jenica (Jenica Bergere), a neurotic actress who is seven-month pregnant, embarks on an emotionally demanding voyage to find her half-sister that she hasn't seen in years, a stepmother battling dementia, and her ostensibly nonchalant father. This journey takes an intriguing turn when she brings along her over-eager BFF, Laura (Cecily Strong), and her nonchalant, somewhat uninformed mother, Dee (Molly Shannon). As the daughter of an aging mother and expectant mother herself, Jenica finds herself segueing between the two worlds, grappling with past resentments and imminent future anxieties.

Come Simi presents the messiness of familial relationships with a fierce and brutal honesty that is rarely depicted on screen. With blunt conversations, unfiltered emotional expressions, and candid yet charming interactions, the film presents a believable world in which love and rage can coexist, and family ties, though knotted and frayed, are unbendable.

The film's comedic touch indisputably comes from Molly Shannon – an exceptional and seasoned comedian – who plays the whimsical character of Dee. Shannon weaves humor into even the most serious of scenes, ensuring that comedic relief is never too far away. The presence of Tawny Kitaen, who played the quirky Karen, added a unique emotional depth to Come Simi and offered an extra layer of complexity to the characters and their relationships.

Director Jenica Bergere masterfully employs a slow-paced narrative, filled with dry humor and carefully drawn-out scenes to create a warm, emotionally perceptive indie gem. Adding an unexpected touch, the film is structured as a day-long journey, unfolding various aspects of the characters' lives and the complexities of their relationships with each passing hour.

Through the narrative and characters, Come Simi also explores the dysfunctions that are often inherent in familial relationships. Bergere incorporates her adept storytelling techniques to skillfully delve into these dynamics, delivering a film that is not only humorous and touching but also thought-provoking in regards to the nuances of family life.

Interspersed within this vibrant mosaic of emotions and the chaotic day, the film also addresses some philosophical questions about life, death, and the inevitability of change. It contrasts the hopeful anticipation of a new life with the inevitability of aging and the pain of loss.

In essence, Come Simi is a dramatic comedy about the mundane and extraordinary moments that constitute life. The film subtly reminds us how our past shapes us, how we struggle with present circumstances, and how we anticipate, often with a mixed sense of excitement and trepidation, the uncertainties of the future. Through a day-long journey filled with laughter, tears and a multitude of emotions, this film relays the beautiful mess that life is and how the threads of relationships, however tangled, tie us together.

Come Simi is a remarkable film that blends comedy, drama, emotions, and the essence of life into a relatable package. The endearing performances of its ensemble cast, its subtly profound theme, and its humorously insightful view of family dynamics make it a must-watch for not just fans of indie cinema, but anyone who cherishes thought-provoking, heartfelt storytelling.