Kati with an I

In the 2010 coming-of-age documentary, Kati with an I, director Robert Greene crafts an intimate and compelling character study that depicts three pivotal days in the life of Kati Genthner, a teenage girl from North Carolina who is about to graduate from high school. Grene displays an outstanding knack for observational filmmaking, immersing viewers into Kati's world, making the mundane feel deeply profound.

Complete with the staples of teenage life, the film is set in the delicate transition period between adolescence and the thresholds of adulthood. Intricately entwined narratives of family dynamics, teenage homelessness, and the pangs of young love together portray a cinematic chiaroscuro that sketches out the ordinary and extraordinary slices of a young girl's life.

Given that Greene is Kati's half-brother, he has a unique insight, which he uses effectively to portray this transitional period in Kati's life. Adding to the authenticity, the film was shot over an actual three-day period, capturing the reality of her life and emotions as she prepares to move on to new beginnings.

Kati Genthner plays herself, capturing audiences with her rawness and realness, her dreams and insecurities. She's a Southern Baptist teenager, living with her parents in what the director refers to as the "Bible Belt". The film follows her as she meanders through the trials and tribulations of her graduation, the anticipation of moving to her boyfriend's place in Alabama, and the subsequent fear of leaving her family and friends behind.

One of the more poignant themes of the documentary is the exploration of Kati and her boyfriend's evolving relationship. As the film progresses, so too does their relationship - from the doe-eyed romance to the more adult challenges that come with taking the next step towards moving in together. Greene expertly navigates this delicate dynamic without making it melodramatic, instead opting to depict it as part of the natural evolution of their relationship.

Beyond her love life, Kati with an I beautifully captures the overarching theme of transition. As Kati prepares to graduate, Greene catches on film the universal feelings associated with reaching such a milestone: the teetering balance between excitement and nerves, the anxious anticipation of what the future holds, and the somewhat somber realization that childhood is slipping away.

Kati's parents play vital roles in the documentary, providing deeply affecting counterbalances to Kati's youthful optimism. Despite their limited means, they strive to provide for her and set her up for a successful future. This, combined with their clear adoration and concern for her, brings a sense of depth and emotion to the film.

Greene makes excellent use of his cinema verité approach, never quite letting the viewers know what's to come and allowing Kati's life to unfold organically on screen. The documentary features a low-key naturalistic style, allowing the narrative to be shaped by real-life events. Kati's dialogue isn't scripted; her conversations with friends and family help to tell the story, creating a more immediate and authentic viewing experience.

From teenage ventures, heart-throbbing moments of young love, and emotional family ties, to the larger-than-life dreams of a bright future, Kati with an I weaves together an intimate, immersive portrait of a teenage girl's life. It's an affectionate film that doesn’t deal in revelations but quietly watches as a moment in a young girl’s life passes by, filled with anxiety, excitement, and a hint of sadness all tumbled together.

In times where big-budget, star-studded films often rule the box office, this small, intimate documentary stands out. The film was well received, playing at multiple film festivals including the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and earning the Truer than Fiction Award nomination at the 26th Independent Spirit Awards.

Overall, Kati with an I is a mesmerizing slice-of-life piece, documenting the realities and complexities of the transitory period between adolescence and adulthood. It is a bold, honest portrayal of the human experience, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.