Good Posture

Good Posture is a 2019 coming-of-age movie that is noted for its witty humor, affable disposition, and artful storytelling. The film was written and directed by Dolly Wells and features a compelling cast of actors including Grace Van Patten, Gary Richardson, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

The film opens with the lead character, Lilian (Grace Van Patten), a stubborn, carefree 26-year-old, finding solace in her best friend, Nate's apartment, where she intends to crash after breaking up with her boyfriend. Lilian is a recent graduate, hesitant to step into adult life and still figuring out her purpose. Her lackadaisical attitude causes occasional mischief, adding a flavor of gentle comedy to the unfolding narrative.

The apartment is shared by Nate's tidy and organized stepsister, Julia Price (Emily Mortimer), who is an acclaimed and eminent novelist. Julia reluctantly allows Lilian to stay but insists she help with chores around the house. Witnessing Lilian's lack of responsibility and commitment, Julia offers her an ultimatum – to either find a job or leave the apartment.

The film does a fantastic job portraying the dynamics between these two very different women—one in the phase of bewildered youth and the other a mature, accomplished adult. The plot thickens as Lilian, instead of finding a job, finds a novel project idea. She decides to make a documentary about Julia, who she initially views as an uptight recluse. Desire to understand Julia's life and success sparks Lilian's curiosity and this forms the basis for their complex and intriguing relationship.

As Lilian secretly films Julia, interpreting her actions through her own lens, the audience witnesses the collision of two worlds—Lilian's independent but somewhat aimless existence contrasting sharply with Julia's structured, disciplined life. This disparity enriches the narrative with drama, wit, and introspection.

Simultaneously, Good Posture weaves in subplots that further expose Lilian's haphazard life and her relationships with other characters in the film. This includes her unique and comical interactions with her negligent musician father, who lives nearby with his younger girlfriend, and her encounters with her creative neighbor Sol, played by Gary Richardson. These interactions offer glimpses of youthful confusion, obstinacy, and charm that defines Lilian.

The words she pens in the form of "interviews" with Julia, add a brilliant touch, exposing the stark contrast between the vivacious but aimless post-grad and the accomplished but introverted writer. The film is skillfully set in Brooklyn, New York, where bits and pieces of the city’s vibe are successfully incorporated into the narrative, unveiling a sense of art, music, and literature that resonate with the story's soul.

The performances by the cast are noteworthy. Grace Van Patten, in particular, beautifully captures the essence and complexity of Lilian - her audacity, naivety, and the constant grappling with adulthood. Her character's journey of self-discovery serves as the heart of the movie. Julia, as portrayed by Emily Mortimer, is the quintessential strong, intelligent and silent woman, whose layers unravel as the movie progresses.

Good Posture is a film that cleverly explores the tumultuous yet hilarious journey of self-exploration, personifying struggles and triumphs faced when stepping into the adult world. The movie shines not only through the lens of relationships built and broken but also through its insightful exploration of the writing process and the intrinsic motivation that powers it.

Dolly Wells' debut as a writer-director excels in its execution, capturing the essence of a youthful quest, reflection, and transformation in an engaging and artful manner. It is an endearing and poignant narrative that admires womanhood at different stages of life and leaves the audience with a gentle smile and a lasting impression.

Distinctly from many coming-of-age films, Good Posture successfully tosses elements of humor, introspection, and subtlety into the melange, crafting a story that is as relatable as it is entertaining. It is not just a film about growing up; it is a journey of understanding relationships, realizing dreams, discovering selfhood, and finding one's ground.