Dinner in America

Dinner in America is a refreshing, edgy, and vibrant comedy-drama film released in 2020, directed by Adam Rehmeier. The movie takes viewers on a unique journey through suburban America, undercut with buoyant punk vibes that get your adrenaline pumping. The colorful cinematography and infectious soundtrack add more depth and dynamism to the storytelling.

The movie's central focus is an unconventional couple, Simon (Kyle Gallner) and Patty (Emily Skeggs). Simon is an on-the-run punk rocker, isolated from society, and Patty is a socially awkward misfit drawn to Simon's anti-conformity. Though they may seem different at first glance, they become friends, and their relationship flourishes as they help each other navigate the challenging world around them.

Kyle Gallner, known for his roles in various horror films, does an impressive job of playing Simon, portraying the punk rocker's wild attitude and rebellious spirit convincingly. His animalistic energy, together with the vulnerability of his character, creates a uniquely charismatic personification that is often absent in stereotyped punk figures in cinema. Simon's outwardly crude and harsh demeanor subtly masks a compassionate soul beneath, making for an intriguing character study throughout the film.

Emily Skeggs delivers an equally fantastic performance. She captures Patty's eccentricity and vulnerability with a profound innocence that's hard not to love. Even when she's not speaking, her expressive eyes communicate a gamut of emotions that make you feel deeply for her character. The chemistry between Skeggs and Gallner is organic and catalyzes the blossoming narrative's evolution. They feed off each other's energy, creating an enthralling dynamic that bristles with raw emotion and compelling storytelling.

Yancy Fuqua and Jennifer Kincer support these two main leads in their respective roles. They both provide a grounded reality to this heightened world, fleshing out the flawed yet human characters they represent while adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Dinner in America offers a captivating exploration of America's vast suburban landscape. It pries open the quirks and banalities of suburban life and brings its characters to locations that are undeniably American, be it high-school football games, fast-food outlets, or neighborhood parks. These environments are transformed into backdrops for pivotal moments in the characters' lives, effectively reinforcing the story's substitute universe atmosphere.

Beyond the endearing love story and its punk spirit, this movie also offers subtle social commentary. The theme of identity and how it can be malleable in different societal pressures is skillfully tackled in the narrative. Pun intended, 'Dinner in America' also serves up a satirical dish of the country's cultural panorama, revealing the simmering tensions and hypocrisies that thrive beneath the surface of the supposedly idyllic suburban life.

Musically, the movie synergizes with the main characters' punk rock ethos. The soundtrack, produced by John Swihart, perfectly captures the anarchic freedom, rebellious energy, and spirit of punk rock. Each musical piece is scrupulously chosen, underlining key moments in the movie and accentuating the characters' emotional arcs. Notably, the original song, "Watermelon," is a catchy highlight that becomes an integral plot point in the film.

Dinner in America's style and presentation are distinctively raw and offbeat. While the film's energetic, grungy aesthetics might not be palatable for everyone, they serve to convey the story's punk attitude and themes effectively. The film's distinctive tonal shifts, swinging from riotous humor to touching emotional moments, are carried well by the script. Even its quirky humor manages to hit the right notes without bordering on the ludicrous.

Dinner in America is an ode to outsiders and misfits, abundant with charm, searing honesty, and a sardonic sense of humor. It's a heartwarming punk rock symphony that revolves around self-discovery, rebellion, and finding solace in shared identities. Above all, it's an invitation to embrace the uncommon, the non-conformist, and find beauty in the seemingly mundane. The movie offers an exceptional cinematic experience with its well-written, engaging storyline, memorable performances, and compelling direction. Dinner in America is a highly-recommended watch for those seeking a movie that defies convention and exudes an earnestness that comes straight from the heart; an undeniably wild yet heartwarming ride through suburban America.