No Postage Necessary

No Postage Necessary is an unorthodox yet charming flick directed by Jeremy Culver and released in 2017. This independent dramedy walks the line between classic romance, modern technology, and unconventional storytelling, with a plot that explores the interwoven lives of its characters under the backdrop of Bitcoin and cybercrime.

The film stars George Blagden, best known for his roles in 'Versailles' and 'Vikings,' as Sam, an ex-convict and present-day computer hacker with a knack for thieving that's only surpassed by his capacity for trouble. Struggling to make ends meet post-prison, Sam makes a habit of digitally stealing Bitcoin from the dark web, incurring dangers from some not-so-friendly people in the process. Yet, it is to a vintage form of 'theft' that we owe the unfolding of the tale - Sam, foraging through mailboxes for letters containing cheques or money.

Amidst the various letters swiped from other people's mailboxes, Sam stumbles upon a heartfelt, deeply personal letter written by a war widow, Josie, played by Charleene Closshey. Josie is mourning her late husband, reflecting on her feelings and memories through letters she can never send, which she nonchalantly drops into random mailboxes. Through these unposted letters, we get an intimate view of the depth of her loss and dreams that seem stuck on pause.

Intrigued by the mysterious and beautiful woman pouring her heart into these unsent letters, Sam embarks on an obscure journey - one that is charming, disheartening, and humorous in equal measures. He finds himself drawn toward the bereaved but strong Josie, and what starts as an attempt to cash in on her willingness to help, leads to an unexpected connection between the two troubled souls.

Closshey delivers a poignant performance as Josie, navigating her character through chaotic emotional tides - a combination of grief, yearning, and the fear of starting anew. Blagden, on the other hand, marvellously captures the spirit of a flawed man on the path of redemption, providing moments of light-hearted comedy amid darker realms of the story. Together, their characters display a captivating chemistry – a dance between two imperfect individuals, each with their own baggage, gradually moving toward the light, guiding each other on the journey.

The ensemble cast also includes Robbie Kay, well-known for his roles in 'Heroes Reborn' and 'Once Upon a Time.' He plays Josie's tech-obsessed younger brother who is fascinated by the world of cryptocurrencies and the dark web, unknowingly stepping into the dangerous web our protagonist Sam is attempting to extricate himself from.

No Postage Necessary is encased in a variety of different layers, each more eventful than the last. It is a story of redemption for a thief-turned-hero, a bittersweet journey for a war widow clinging to a lingering past, a demonstration of the volatile world of Bitcoin, and a lighthearted insight into the ongoing struggle between modern technology and traditional modes of communication.

Director Jeremy Culver cleverly blends these diverse themes together, taking us through a cryptic journey of humor, heartache, love, deception, and crime, all wrapped up in his unique brand of storytelling. Cinematographer Jeffrey T. Schultz paints a visual story that complements the emotional depth of the script, while composer Closshey creates a melodic background score that sets the right tones throughout the film.

The film also holds the unique distinction of being the very first film to be released on a blockchain platform, accepting Bitcoin payments in what was a gutsy move aligning the film's theme with technology. This blend of quintessential romantic drama and innovative technology creates an engaging movie-going experience, combining the timeless appeal of a heartfelt love story, the edge-of-your-seat elements of a crime drama, and the novel intrigue of digital technology.

In conclusion, No Postage Necessary is more than a film; it's an eccentric combination of distinct themes carried forward by standout performances. This multiple-layered, cross-genre film offers a fresh take on traditional storytelling, capturing the essence of love, redemption, and technological evolution all in one entertaining package. For those seeking a divergent cinematic experience with a dash of classic romance and a hint of modern intrigue, No Postage Necessary is a must-watch.