Lamb

Lamb is a 2015 American drama that skillfully hovers between discomfort and empathy. Directed by Ross Partridge and based on the novel by Bonnie Nadzam, this movie explores intricate human relationships and the complex texture of human emotions. Ross Partridge also plays the lead role in this film, joined by rising young talent Oona Laurence, along with Jess Weixler.

The central character of the film, David Lamb (played by Ross Partridge), is presented to us at a challenging stage in his personal and professional life. He's still grappling with the recent death of his father and his marriage is decidedly on the rocks. Professionally, his job is unfulfilling and ethically challenging - he's barely hanging on. Partridge imparts an essential humanity to his character, presenting David as a troubled yet essentially sincere man caught up in a game of life he neither enjoys nor understands.

The storyline breadcrumb trails us into David's unexpected friendship with the precocious and neglected 11-year-old, Tommie (Oona Laurence). Tommie’s life lacks the stability, guidance, and care, vital for any child growing up. Oona Laurence brings depth to her character, expressing Tommie’s vulnerability mingled with the resilience she has cultivated in her young years against her emotionally absent parents.

The unique connection that develops between David and Tommie provides the film with its main narrative arc. Despite their enormous age difference and obvious imbalances of power, they forge a bit of an offbeat friendship - an unlikely yet highly crucial lifeline for both. While fraught with ambiguity and potential danger inherently due to their age and circumstances, the companionship composes a symbiotic sanctuary for both as they aimlessly drift in their seemingly shattered worlds.

The third pivotal character is Linny (played by Jess Weixler), David's on-off girlfriend. In the unique, complex dynamic of the movie, Linny's character plays a vital role as the link back to David's past and as a mirror of his present. Weixler's representation is refined and adds more layers to the essence of the story.

Lamb is not an easy film to categorize. It walks on a tight-rope, balancing the portrayal of an unconventional, complicated relationship with an inspection of loneliness, despair, and aspiration for freedom. Its power lies in its subtlety and the emotional depth of its characters.

The cinematography in Lamb deserves a special mention as it adds an additional layer to the storytelling. The sweeping wide-angle shots very beautifully capture the vast landscapes, symbolizing the boundless emotional landscape of the characters. At the same time, the close-up shots effectively underline the unspoken emotions and tensions residing beneath the surface of their interactions.

The film skillfully evokes a sense of discomfort as it challenges our conventional outlook and provokes us to explore the grey areas of human psychology. Despite its difficult themes, Lamb also manages to be deeply empathetic, constantly prompting viewers to imagine the perspectives of its primary characters.

Ross Partridge brings the story alive with astute direction and a keen understanding of emotional nuances, crafting a narrative that is provocative yet subtle, and deeply engaging. The performances by the cast are commendable, especially Oona Laurence, whose riveting portrayal of a neglected child is heart-rending and insightful.

In conclusion, Lamb is a film that requires an open mind to digest and appreciate. It ventures into the uncomfortable terrain of unlikely friendships and human connection, leaning into its inherent complexity instead of reversing out of it. If you're up for a raw, uncomfortable, yet highly engaging cinematic industry experience, Lamb is likely not one to miss. Be ready for an emotional journey that will make you question the boundaries of relationships and push the envelope on your preconceived ideas of right and wrong.