My Last Year with the Nuns

"My Last Year with the Nuns" is an indie gem from 2014 that wanders off the beaten path, offering a deeply personal, introspective exploration of childhood memories and growing up, capturing the essence of a bygone era. This unique semi-autobiographical film incorporates elements of documentary, storytelling, and performance art and features a riveting solo performance by actor Matt Smith.

The film is based on Smith's acclaimed one-man stage show and was directed by Bret Fetzer. It meanders through the patterns of Smith's childhood in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, in the United States, during the year of 1966. While the film is deeply rooted in its specific time and place, it carries universal resonance through its nuanced exploration of childhood, adolescence, and the unavoidable transition into adulthood.

"My Last Year with the Nuns" is certainly not an everyday Hollywood film. It maintains a documentary-style approach, using minimal props and the captivating power of Smith’s acting to share stories from his life. Often, it is just Smith and the raw frame of the now-demolished St. Joseph's School, where he spent much of his childhood, serving as the backdrop. Their stripped-down approach provides an intriguing contrast to traditional storytelling methods while enhancing the nostalgic undertones of the narrative.

Smith's performance is the lynchpin of the entire experience. The film doesn't operate through an ensemble cast but relies solely on his compelling presence. With his raw, relatable charisma and sharp, insightful humor, Smith paints a vivid picture of his adolescence, acquainting us with the myriad characters from his past and their experiences.

Through Smith, we journey through the racially divided Capitol Hill neighborhood, intersecting with the lives of various residents—boisterous schoolyard bullies, shy classmates, stern nuns, neighborhood kids, winos, and the printer's devil—each character coming to life through his performance. Each narrative Smith shares about the characters brings to life a different facet of the chaotic, racially charged environment of 1960s America, as well as his coming-of-age experiences in this unique ecosystem.

The narrative also serves as a meditation on the changing social landscapes and the harsh realities of racism in America. Smith reflects on how his all-white Catholic school neighbored a public housing project primarily inhabited by African-American families and the racial tensions that accompanied this divide. This element adds to the film's depth and thoughtfulness, making it not just an entertaining watch but also a poignant portrayal of social issues.

"My Last Year with the Nuns" uses casual, forthright discussions of sexuality, religious doubt, and social inequalities, showcasing the raw reality of life, all without losing its genuine sense of nostalgia and humor. It poignantly recounts the upheavals of adolescence and captures the genuine confusion, humor, sadness, and beauty of this period, which is often lost in the routines of adulthood.

It needs to be mentioned that the film is definitely not a typical, linear narrative. The movie has a very non-traditional, fragmented structure that may take some viewers a bit of time to adjust to. Yet, these seeming digressions are part of the film's charm, as they contribute to the recreation of Smith's childhood universe. For some, the disjointed structure may come across as disorienting, but those willing to surrender to the film's unconventional narrative style will find it highly rewarding.

The movie ultimately serves as a metaphorical bridge, connecting the past to the present and the individual to the species. It is a thoughtful exploration of various pressing themes and concerns while providing a relatable portrayal of human growth and evolution. The sequences prompt a range of emotions from laughter to introspection, and some parts may even catch viewers off guard with their sudden depth and intensity.

To sum it up, "My Last Year with the Nuns" from 2014, starring Matt Smith, is a unique cinematic experience that masterfully merges memory, commentary, performance, and narrative. A mesmerizing portrait of childhood and adolescence, this film offers unexpected insights into the formative experiences that define us, while effortlessly revealing the underlying social dynamics at play. It truly is a film that often wrestles with heavy themes but does so with honesty, humor, and a poignant sense of humanity.