Olympia

Olympia is a captivating movie released in 2018, which intricately explores the depths of human emotions, personal struggles, and the indomitable spirit of self-discovery. This movie is a pulsating mix of drama, romance, and character exploration, set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Chicago.

The movie features superb performances from McKenzie Chinn, who plays the title role, Charles Andrew Gardner, and Ericka Ratcliff. Directed by Gregory Dixon and penned by McKenzie Chinn, Olympia is indeed an insightful documentation of life, relationships, and the quest for individuality.

The story follows Olympia Welles, a character superbly portrayed by McKenzie Chinn. Olympia is a woman in her thirties experiencing the complexities that this usually transitional age brings with it. She's an artist, creating beautiful illustrations, but the fear of failing in her passion becomes her excuse for not striving ahead in her career. Alongside these career worries, she struggles to place herself in a world that constantly demands answers for her current life standing. With the looming pressure of her imminent 30th birthday, her life seems to be teetering on the brink of an existential crisis.

Intertwined with Olympia's professional doubts are her personal commitments and relationships. As her partner, Felix, beautifully portrayed by Charles Andrew Gardner, receives a significant career opportunity abroad, Olympia grapples with the decision of whether to follow him or stay and figure out her own life. She employs a stark, sober narrative to her struggles, making her character resonate with many viewers who've similarly wrestled with questions about the purpose of their lives at the precipice of their third decade.

Ericka Ratcliff brings a dynamic flair to the narrative. She's Olympia's best friend, presenting contrasting perspectives on life and amplifying Olympia's dilecurities. She takes the route of following the norms, often challenging Olympia's unconventional views and thus driving many of the film's intellectual discussions and conflicts.

The beauty of Olympia lies in its raw and realistic depiction of existential worry and confusion. The theme of being 'stuck' in life is effectively communicated through Chinn's reserved yet emotion-filled performances. Her character endeavours to rise above the mundanity of her current life, striving to find her individuality amidst societal pressures and expectations.

As we accompany Olympia through this emotional and personal journey, we encounter fragments of the city of Chicago, the setting becoming a character in its own right. The cityscape serves as more than a backdrop—it’s a participant, underscoring Olympia's turmoil with its own atmosphere of uncertainty and inspiring solitude. The film gravitates from bustling streets to silent corners, driving the narrative with a rhythmic pulse that matches the highs and lows of her journey.

The movie's cinematography is striking; it portrays Olympia's emotions in tandem with the cityscape, thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing yet poignant portrayal of her life and struggles. The film’s soundscape, too, echoes with Olympia’s inner turmoil, through a series of striking tunes tangibly reflecting her distress and hopes tied with everyday life.

One of the most compelling elements of Olympia is its exploration of hedonism versus stoicism, presented through a dialogue about personal successes, emotional journey, and self-identification. The movie succeeds in placing these philosophical dialogues in the frame of Olympia's life decisions, hence attracting the viewer towards her intricacies while prompting reflections on their life choices as well.

The movie also introduces pertinent social issues and the celebration of diversity, making it contextually relevant and refreshing. The movie does not shy away from demonstrating the experience of people of color, creating an authentic narrative that many viewers will find empathetic and real.

Helping Olympia stand out is its finely tuned balance of drama and comedy, infused with a profound exploration of existentialism that makes it a wholesome and thought-provoking cinematic experience. For fans of character-driven dramas and those who appreciate in-depth exploration of life’s complexities, Olympia offers a unique, enlightening narrative. Moreover, its exploration of relationships, both familial and romantic, global versus local spaces, and the struggle for self-exploration make the movie an intriguing watch for anyone. Olympia is a movie that presents life as it is—elegantly flawed but incessantly hopeful.