Olympic Dreams

Olympic Dreams is a 2019 American romantic comedy-drama sports film directed by Jeremy Teicher. The movie stars an interesting lineup, including Nick Kroll, Alexi Pappas, and Gus Kenworthy. Notably, Pappas, a Greek-American long-distance runner and filmmaker, not only co-wrote the film but also appeared as lead character Penelope, bringing real authenticity to the sporting atmosphere.

The movie is a unique take on the romantic comedy genre, elegantly combining the intense highs and lows of competitive sport and the equally unpredictable rollercoaster of romantic relationships. The setting of the story is so unique, as it all takes place within the athlete's village during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, playing out on an exciting and often beautifully vulnerable international stage.

The film follows Penelope (Alexi Pappas), a cross-country skier who's achieved her life-long dream by being part of the Olympics. Penelope's character is portrayed as lonely and isolated. Despite her enormous achievement, she feels a sense of emptiness and seems lost amidst a sea of athletes from different part of the world. Her story illustrates the bittersweet aftermath of realizing your dream and the inevitable question of what comes after. Pappas has done an excellent job of depicting an athlete's journey, which resonates seamlessly with her own professional background.

In stark contrast to Penelope’s character, we have the charmingly goofy volunteer dentist, Ezra (Nick Kroll) who is also navigating an emotional turmoil of his own. Ezra's poignant humour and seemingly carefree personality mask his internal battles making his character equally endearing and relatable. When Penelope and Ezra's paths cross, an unlikely yet heartwarming bond begins to form. This unexpected connection not only brings a shift in the narrative but also adds layers to their individual characters. The humor, awkwardness, warmth, and understanding that they share offer a delightful and refreshing take on modern relationships.

The cinematography in Olympic Dreams is stunning and cleverly used, highlighting often overlooked corners of the Olympic Games. From the receding snowline to the vast icy landscapes, the breathtaking visuals are nothing short of spectacular. This movie effectively brings out the spirit of the Olympics, despite the quiet solitude of the athletes' village. The camera work does an exceptional job of capturing the scope of the Olympics, the enormity of the event, and the richness of the environment. The film is sprinkled with cameos from real Olympics athletes, lending further authenticity to the story.

In the larger context, Olympic Dreams perfectly encapsulates the essence of the highs and lows an athlete experiences while at the games. It also explores themes like the pursuit of dreams, the meaning of success, and the exploration of personal identity. Even as the film delves into serious topics, it maintains a light-hearted yet introspective vocabulary, making it a captivating watch.

The film does a marvelous job of exploring individuality and solitude amidst the bustling crowd. Besides the emotional ride, the chemistry between Pappas and Kroll is the driving force of the film, making this unexpected relationship grounded, believable, and utterly delightful. Olympic Dreams highlights the lyrical composition of contemporary life while focusing on the universality of the human experience, making the narrative relatable despite the unique Olympic backdrop.

Another worth mentioning aspect is the movie's soundtrack. The music is beautifully woven into the narrative, enhancing the overall mood of the film. From the triumphant, adrenaline-filled tracks associated with Penelope’s skiing to the quiet, introspective tunes accompanying the character's quieter moments, the music of Olympic Dreams adds another compelling layer to the storytelling.

In conclusion, Olympic Dreams is an intimate, human drama set against the high-stakes, high-pressure backdrop of the Olympic Games. It’s a captivating romance sprinkled with comedy, and raw human emotions, and a vivid portrayal of the realities behind pursuing a dream. A must-watch for rom-com and sports enthusiasts alike. This film is a celebration of determination, human connection, and the power of dreams.