Driveways

Driveways is a 2019 drama film about human connection, family relationships, and the struggles of being an outsider. The film is directed by Andrew Ahn, known for his noteworthy contributions in the field of independent cinema. Its narrative is brought to life by the performances of a brilliant cast, including Lucas Jaye, Hong Chau, and the late veteran actor Brian Dennehy.

Driveways unfolds in a suburban American milieu, around a single mother, Kathy, played by Hong Chau, who packs up her life in Michigan and her eight-year-old son Cody (Lucas Jaye) into a car to clean out her late estranged sister's house in a different state. The narrative primarily centers on Lucas Jaye's character, Cody, a timid and introverted eight-year-old meeting life challenges head-on during an unsettling time of transition.

Because of Kathy's preoccupation with the daunting task of cleaning out her sister's cluttered house, filled with stuff accumulated over years, Cody has a lot of time on his hands. During this time, Cody befriends Del, a war veteran, and widower, ironically gleaming as a heartening embodiment of life gracefully lived, a character Brian Dennehy masterfully brings to life. Del, the oft-grumpy neighbor, lives right next door, becoming an unlikely companion and surrogate grandfather figure for Cody.

Their friendship develops naturally when Del's initial gruffness fades in the face of Cody's innocent curiosity and kindness. The deep bond that forms between Cody and Del stands as one of the film's main themes. It is a poignant friendship that transcends age and life experiences. Artistically it reflects on life, old age, and the ability of human connection to give meaning to mundane events.

This emotional narrative deeply resonates with the audiences, highlighting the loneliness and isolation in both Cody's and Del's lives. Cody feels the isolation of being the new kid in town, unfamiliar with his surroundings, and struggling to form new friendships. And Del battles the isolation of old age and the loss of his wife.

They find solace in each other's company. This delicate portrayal of the bond between Cody and Del unfolds organically, intertwining their lives in subtle and beautiful ways. Driveways successfully conveys the idea that sometimes family extends beyond the commonly used biological or matrimonial ties and delves into chosen kinship that may at times offer as much, if not more, emotional support as traditional family structures.

Here, the significance of the title, 'Driveways' becomes more apparent, signifying not just a physical space where characters of the movie often cross paths but also metaphorically representing the crossroads of life where people from utterly different stages of life converge, interact, and enrich each other's life journey.

Hong Chau delivers an emotionally complex performance as Kathy, trying to balance her parental responsibilities with her grief over the loss of her sister, who lived a life that Kathy is struggling to understand. Through her portrayal, the film sensitively addresses the theme of inherited mental health issues and their impact on family dynamics.

Brian Dennehy’s poignant performance as Del in his final role gives a nuanced portrayal of old age, while Lucas Jaye gives a truly moving performance as a young kid navigating his surroundings. The film through its subtly profound script intelligently addresses themes of friendship, family, and mortality.

The firm direction by Andrew Ahn ensures a restrained yet deeply emotional narrative that unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing the characters to breathe, and the viewers to invest in them substantively. Yet generous funny moments also mark the narrative adding levity to the inherently somber themes that Driveways broaches. Utilization of the serene suburbia backdrop, combined with the outstanding performances, further heightens the film's overall emotional depth.

Driveways is a heartfelt ode to human connections, reinforcing the idea that it's possible to find family in the most unexpected places. This layered drama speaks volumes about empathy, loneliness, and the power of unlikely friendships. A tender coming-of-age story intertwining with a narrative about gracefully embracing old age - Driveways is a film that leaves audiences with much to reflect upon, underscoring what it means to be human and to connect with others. It is a gentle reminder of the beauty of everyday life and the importance of connections that shape our lives.