Frances Ferguson

Frances Ferguson, directed by Bob Byington and released in 2019, is a subversive, darkly comedic, indie film that delves into some very serious topics with a kind of humor that keeps things dryly interesting. The film unfolds in a small town in Nebraska, and portrays the moral downfall and subsequent awakening of a young woman named Frances Ferguson, played with extraordinary enigma by Kaley Wheless.

Kaley Wheless stars as the titular Frances Ferguson, a substitute teacher who seems relatively unbothered by her mundane life until a series of poor decisions begin to unravel her existence. Wheless' performance is strikingly understated and nuanced, bringing humanity and depth to a character whose circumstances could have easily relegated her to being a two-dimensional archetype.

Nick Offerman, renowned for his performance in popular sitcom "Parks and Recreation," is the narrator of this narrative. He brings a certain charm to the film, injecting witty remarks and throwaway comments that spark laughter even in the most dire of situations. His voice resonates throughout the movie, providing a sardonic commentary on Franny’s gloomy yet bizarre journey.

Martin Starr is also noteworthy and adds a delightful presence as an unpredictable character who keeps the audience guessing. His role doesn't provide the comedy he's known for in "Silicon Valley", but it's an important one that helps in advancing the plot.

The film excels at exploiting the contradictions and idiosyncrasies of everyday life in a small town. It portrays the protagonist’s story in a pace slow enough to manifest the melancholy and swift enough to maintain the attention of viewers. The themes of loneliness, resentment, and misdirected anger run beneath the main plot, making the film not just a tale of a woman’s personal struggle, but also a study of different human emotions and situations.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Great Plains, which adds a visual reminder of the isolation experienced by the main character. Byington uses this setting to emphasize the mundanity and lack of action in a small town, making Franny’s decisions seem even more impulsive and out of place; it’s a clever use of space and underlines his knack for understanding where his stories belong.

Despite its subject matter, the film never attempts to justify or condemn its protagonist. Instead, it provides a comedic, yet heartfelt look at someone's life gone wrong, without being judgemental, as it commentates on the human condition, regret and the arduous yet fulfilling journey toward personal redemption. A fascinating aspect of the film is the character development of Frances, who gradually evolves from someone trying to escape their life into a person desiring to embrace it with a newfound understanding of her path.

At its heart, the film is an exploration of personal growth amidst self-destruction, a meaningful journey, and a satirical commentary on small-town life, the American justice system, and societal norms. While the character takes actions that may seem unrelatable, the emotions and the consequences of her actions strike a universal chord.

The cinema's narrative style, replete with melancholic humor and witty sarcasm, offers a unique storytelling that compliments the unconventional plot. This is further enhanced by the quirky and unmistakable voice of Offerman and the somber yet gripping performance by Wheless.

In conclusion, Frances Ferguson is a testament to Byington's skill as a filmmaker: his ability to turn such a deeply personal and shrouded subject matter into a funny and ultimately thought-provoking exploration of the human experience is no small feet. The film is original, captivating, and serves as an interesting character study of a woman in personal turmoil. Its melancholic humor and wry narration make it a compelling watch for fans of indie cinema and dark comedies.

However, it's important to note that the film isn't for everyone. Its dark theme and irreverent humor, along with its exploration into moral gray areas, may not resonate with all audiences. If you're someone who appreciates unconventional storytelling that combines depth with dry humor, Frances Ferguson is definitely a movie to tick off your watch list.