Landing Up

Landing Up is a deeply moving and emotionally impactful movie directed by Daniel Tenenbaum in 2018. The film portrays a stark, raw, and authentic view of homelessness and survival on the streets. This gripping drama is characterized by strong performances by the film's three leads, namely Ben Rappaport, Stacey Maltin, and E'dena Hines.

In this riveting film, Stacey Maltin plays the lead role of Chrissie, a tenacious and resourceful young woman who grapples with homelessness in New York City. Chrissie's story is one of resilience and survival, demonstrating the lengths one will go when pushed to the brink. She manages her dire circumstances with an unyielding spirit and an indomitable will, making her way on the streets by any means necessary - all the while maintaining a facade of normalcy to the outside world. Maltin's portrayal of Chrissie is commendable, engaging the audience with a deeply human and relatable performance.

Maltin's character shares an intense and complicated friendship with Cece, played brilliantly by the late E'dena Hines, whose performance is especially poignant. Together, they navigate the hardship of the streets, their bond fortified by their shared experiences. They both employ a unique survival strategy involving online dating sites and unsuspecting men to provide temporary shelter and security. The dynamic between these two characters underscores the adversity they face daily but also illuminates the strength of their friendship beyond their shared struggles.

Ben Rappaport enters the film as David, a well-meaning, compassionate man who Chrissie meets via the online dating strategy. His initial ignorance of her housing predicament adds an element of suspense and unpredictability to the film. The relational dynamics between David and Chrissie convey the stark contrast between their lives, subtly unveiling the stark realities of societal inequality in the process.

Throughout the film, Tenenbaum's direction provides a clear lens onto the multifaceted experience of homelessness - shifting between harsh realities and fleeting moments of escapism. The film successfully raises awareness of the homeless experience without descending into the tropes of poverty porn. Throughout the film, we witness the resourcefulness and resilience that Chrissie and her friend Cece must draw upon for their very survival.

"Landing Up" is also an exploration of love and relationships under the most challenging circumstances. A significant aspect of the film focuses on Chrissie and David's growing emotional connectivity. The narrative delicately balances between the romantic angle and the grim realities of Chrissie's life, never allowing one to overshadow the other. It explores the stark divide between their worlds, creating a level of suspense as Chrissie goes to great lengths to hide her reality from David.

In terms of the cinematography, the depiction of New York City is remarkable as it takes a gritty and real approach, highlighting the city in all its inglorious and raw beauty. The movie captures the bustling, vibrant, and sometimes cruelly indifferent backdrop of New York City and adds to the movie's dramatic impact.

"Landing Up" takes on the difficult topics of homelessness and survival with unflinching realism, creating a narrative that is both engaging and deeply human. The movie does a commendable job of addressing a lack of permanent housing, an issue that plagues many cities worldwide, through the lens of individual personal narratives. It invites the audience to become emotionally invested in the characters, eliciting empathy and understanding for their realities.

On a final note, the film serves as a lasting memory of E'dena Hines, whose promising career was tragically cut short. Her strong performance in "Landing Up" makes it a fitting tribute to her talent.

In summary, Landing Up is a masterfully crafted film that portrays a story of survival, friendship, and love amidst life's harshest realities - a perfect mix of gritty realism and touching human drama. It carries an important message about society's ignored and marginalized populace, highlighting their struggles and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a movie worth watching for anyone interested in exceptional performances, absorbing storytelling, and societal commentary.