Like Sunday, Like Rain

Like Sunday, Like Rain is an independent film directed by Frank Whaley, released in 2014. The movie features notable actors such as Julian Shatkin, Olga Merediz, and Debra Messing, among others. The film is heartfelt and original, exploring the themes of relationships, hardship, and the power of music.

The story revolves around two main characters, Reggie (played by Julian Shatkin) and Eleanor (played by Leighton Meester). Reggie is a 12-year-old prodigy, highly intelligent and extremely gifted in music, particularly the cello. Reggie lives an affluent life - a beautiful house in Manhattan and a tremendous opportunity for an exceptional education. Despite these advantages, Reggie is somehow detached from the world, often finding himself aloof and preferring solitude.

Contrasting Reggie's privileged upbringing is Eleanor, portrayed superbly by Leighton Meester. Eleanor is a 23-year-old struggling musician living a life marked by hardship and disappointment. Crumbling under the weight of life's blows, Eleanor has to juggle multiple jobs and deal with a volatile relationship. Despite her immense talent and bright spirit, life has not been kind to her.

The movie is carefully crafted to beautifully show the unlikely and unusual friendship that develops between Reggie and Eleanor. Eleanor eventually finds a job as Reggie's nanny, thus the two, despite their strikingly different life situations and age gap, end up spending a lot of time together. Their love for music acts as a perfect catalyst, bonding them together and gradually proving instrumental in their respective journeys.

Their unique companionship helps both characters grow in different aspects. For Reggie, Eleanor's mind has a unique perspective that fuels his curiosity and appetite for knowledge. He finds in her a refreshing change from the uninspired conversations with his money-centric mother and socialite friends. Eleanor, on the other hand, benefits from Reggie's innate wisdom and maturity beyond his years.

The supporting cast, including Debra Messing and Olga Merediz, also deliver compelling performances. Messing delivers a convincing portrayal of Reggie's mother, a woman obsessed with wealth and social standing who completely overlooks her son's genius. Merediz adds depth to the narrative as the understanding bystander.

Coupled with Frank Whaley's excellent directorial skills, the film showcases the power of music as a universal language. The movie is adorned with a rich, emotive soundtrack that perfectly complements the narrative. One would appreciate the musical sequences that add depth to the storyline and ultimately become a pivotal part of the bonding between Eleanor and Reggie.

Like Sunday, Like Rain does not shy away from exploring the socio-economic disparity and how it impacts individual lives. But at its heart, it's a story about human connection and how two people who seemingly have nothing in common can find solace and companionship in each other. It's a tale that contemplates loneliness, childish innocence, and life’s trials and tribulations under the compassionate lens of an unfazed observer.

The movie enjoys a slow pace, allowing the audience to experience the journey of these two characters in real-time. It often verges on the truth of isolation that accompanies genius and the hardship that often clouds talent. The narrative is underlined by the theme of simplicity- there are no grand gestures, no extraordinary occurrences, just an interchange of mundane realities paving the way for some of the most genuine emotional connections.

The performances of the two leads are downright extraordinary. Julian Shatkin as Reggie delivers a thought-provoking and riveting performance, capturing his character’s feelings of isolation and discomfort with brilliance. Leighton Meester as Eleanor draws from a deep well of empathy and resilience to portray her character's tumultuous journey, giving what might be considered one of her best performances.

Overall, Like Sunday, Like Rain is a poignant and thought-provoking film that effectively captures the serenity of unlikely friendships and the healing power of music. It's an intriguing watch for those who appreciate understated narratives and relatable characters. The film displays a well-crafted story that is both balanced in elements of drama and realism, making it a must-watch for indie film lovers and music enthusiasts alike.