Hard Sell

Hard Sell is a 2016 American drama-comedy film directed and written by Sean Nalaboff. The movie stars Skyler Gisondo, Katrina Bowden, and Broadway veteran Kristin Chenoweth, embodying an array of idiosyncratic characters. The film is set in the atmospheric shoreline of Long Island, and it artfully combines elements of dark humor, drama, and poignant storytelling.

The gay teen coming-of-age sequence starring Skyler Gisondo is skillfully woven into a structurally sound storyline. Gisondo’s character, Hardy Buchanan, is a young high school student studying in a prestigious private institution, struggling with the hardships caused by the financial difficulties arrayed against his single mother, portrayed by Kristin Chenoweth. Hardy finds himself in the challenging position of needing to procure money for his own and his family's survival, leading him to grapple with his upbringing and morality.

Throughout the film, Hardy's life takes a turn when he encounters the mysterious drifter, Bo, played by Katrina Bowden, on his school's property. A quick-witted character, Bo is carrying her own haunting past composed of undisclosed secrets, adding layers of depth and intrigue to her character. This extraordinary encounter sets the stage for a partner-in-crime partnership that Hardy could never have foreseen.

Refusing to fall victim to his adverse circumstances, Hardy, with Bo's quirky help, hatches a scheme that seems outrageous. This venture leads to the creation of a homegrown "therapy" business, catering to the eccentric lot of the privileged, wealthy wives in their locality. While the duo enters into this quagmire of quirky endeavors, they discover that their obstacles far exceed simply warding off their suspicious customers. They reel under the weight of maintaining their secret, the constant threat of exposure, navigating high school's tumultuous landscape, and dealing with the emotional baggage each of them harbors.

As the plot unfolds, it is replete with humor and heartfelt sentiment, set within the alternating landscape between the school's imposing walls and the vast, glistening beach, representing Hardy and Bo's shifting current of predicaments and aspirations. Laughter, hidden tears, vulnerable confessions and the desperate measures born out of dire economic situation- they all find a place in this Hard Sell.

At its core, Hard Sell is also an exploration of human relationships, particularly between Hardy and his mother. Kristin Chenoweth takes center stage here, playing the role of Hardy's mother who is suffering from issues concerning mental health. Their relationship weaves a bittersweet narrative to the movie, with a perfect blend of drama and sentiment.

The chemistry between Skyler Gisondo and Katrina Bowden is thrilling and compelling, making for captivating viewing. The interactions among the high school students also offer the audience a glimpse into the pressures of adolescence, stigma, and stereotypes, adding depth and relevance to the story. The film's well-timed humor serves as an essential foil to its underlining grim moods, making for effective comedic relief.

The film is beautifully realized by Sean Nalaboff's sensitive directorial touch, adeptly roller-coastering between comedy and drama. His particular talent lies in his ability to create characters that are authentic, relatable, and sufficiently eccentric to keep the audience engaged and amused. While exploring themes like mental health, adolescence, and economic struggles, Nalaboff ensures the narrative remains buoyant and enjoyable.

The palpable sense of place and the unique angles of the setting also add to the rich tapestry of Hard Sell. The stunning backdrop of Long Island bolsters the plot and character development, offering striking contrasts between the world of affluence and struggle. The soundtrack of the movie imparts a rhythmic, nostalgic vibe to the narrative, accentuating the authentic feel of the adolescent milieu portrayed in the film.

In summary, Hard Sell vividly portrays the journey of an ordinary teenage boy, Hardy, facing extraordinary circumstances. At its heart, it is a tale of resilience, friendship, and the lengths one might go to protect a loved one. It offers a raw and poignant look at navigating high school life while juggling a myriad of personal struggles, all encapsulated in an array of darkly comedic and high-spirited antics. Committing to neither full-fledged comedy nor dwelling in pure dramatic territories, Hard Sell finds its charm in the beautifully flawed middle ground, making it an enriching and exceptional watch.