Coming & Going

Released in 2011, Coming & Going is a charming, lighthearted film drenched in situational humor and genuine human emotion. This lovable romantic comedy is creatively directed by Edoardo Ponti and features an impressive cast ensemble, including Rhys Darby, Sasha Alexander, and Fionnula Flanagan. The movie expertly weaves a tale of miscommunication, love, and the chance encounters that have the power to transform our lives in ways we least expect.

Rhys Darby, prominently known for his engaging contribution to comedy, takes center stage as the lead man in the movie, giving a delightful and endearing performance. He plays the character of Lee, a gynecologist who is genuinely dedicated and considerate, making him popular among his patients. Ironically, despite being an expert in women's health, Lee is too bashful and awkward when it comes to courting women. He is a gentleman at heart, which, coupled with his extreme shyness, makes him extremely reserved, and hence, unsuccessful in the dating arena.

Getting into an accident that limits his physical mobility significantly further complicates Lee's life. He is now wheelchair-bound and must navigate through his daily routine and professional responsibilities with this new normal. This is where the movie's title, Coming & Going, cleverly play to the reality of Lee's life as he moves about, coming and going in his wheelchair.

Enter Sasha Alexander, who, with her exceptional acting prowess, graces the screen with a truly standout performance. She plays the character of an unattainable beauty named Alex, who falls into Lee's life quite unexpectedly. Alexander's portrayal of Alex brings a warmth and wit to the screen that balances the absurdity of certain situations with a sweet light-heartedness. The range of her performance, encompassing Alex’s strength, vulnerability, humour, and romance, adds depth to the film.

As for Fionnula Flanagan, she is the woman behind the ironclad character of Lee’s sharp-tongued, sardonic, yet loving grandmother. Her character brings in an old-world charm to the movie, offering sage advice from time to time, showing us the love and care that is pivotal in helping Lee recover and evolve throughout the story.

The movie progresses as Lee, post his accident, realizes that people, including his beautiful Alex, treat him differently due to his physical predicament. Navigating his romantic interest around this predicament and the fear of exposing his upcoming recovery creates the main conflict of the story. The dynamics between Lee, Alex, and the other characters make for entertaining yet deeply moving plot points.

The film storytelling includes a mix of comedic mishaps and genuine human connections built upon misunderstanding and truth. The story also offers insight into society's perceptions of physical disabilities, resulting in standout moments that are both amusing and thought-provoking.

Coming & Going is as much about the protagonists' journey as it is about self-discovery and confronting one's fears. While it is absolutely drenched with comedy, at its core, it carries an underlying message of appreciating the value of honesty, irrespective of the situation.

The movie’s consistent pace, kept engaging with a series of hilarious and heartwarming episodes, paired with solid performances, make Coming & Going an enjoyable watch. Furthermore, the film's intelligent dialogues contribute to its comedic charm, while the plot's gentle unpredictability keeps the audience hooked.

The cinematography of Coming & Going is simplistic yet arresting, adding a rich texture to the film. The director's brilliant execution of the story, the unfailingly funny and emotive screenplay, paired with perfectly timed comic sequences, heartwarming romance, and charming performances from the cast, make this film a definitive must-watch for those who enjoy light, romantic, comedic fares.

To top it all, the film’s soundtrack is fittingly pleasing, contributing to the moods in every scene, rendering an overall engaging cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Coming & Going is a delightful blend of romance and comedy, beautifully packaged with meaningful nuances and outstanding performances. For viewers who love immersing in heartwarming tales that infuse a sense of joyful calm, spiced up with doses of good-natured humor, this film checks all the boxes.