Paint It Black

Paint It Black is a potently raw, devastatingly beautiful psychological drama that was unleashed on audiences in 2016. This emotionally-charged film is directed by the incredibly talented Amber Tamblyn, in what is notably her directorial debut. The movie is based on the novel of the same name written by Janet Fitch. The narrative of the film is intrinsically rooted in the tumultuous exploration of grief and despair that transcends traditional depictions of sorrow and loss.

The narrative revolves around Josie (played by Alia Shawkat), a twenty-something artist living in Los Angeles who is dealing with the abrupt and mysterious suicide of her boyfriend, Michael. Michael, an amateur but ambitious pianist, leaves the world without a note, creating a fierce void in Josie's life. Josie's tumultuous journey through this unexpected tragedy forms the backbone of the movie's engaging plot.

In the aftermath of this loss, Josie finds herself confronted by Meredith (played exceptionally by Janet McTeer), Michael's mother. Meredith, a sophisticated and seemingly cold-hearted former pianist herself, views Josie with disdain and suspicion. This relationship between two women who loved the same man becomes the main focal point of the movie. Their relationship is characterized by its volatility, as they oscillate between blazing hatred and a peculiar understanding of each other’s pain.

The film is intricate, complex, and dotted with instances of lingering despair and explosive confrontations, aided by an in-depth and thoughtful script—penned by Tamblyn and Ed Dougherty—that juxtaposes the harsh pain of grief with tender moments of connection. It examines the unique intersections of pain, the definitions of love and loss, and gives the audience a gritty sense of the darkness that can be left behind by such desolation.

The performances by the lead actors deserve special recognition. Alia Shawkat as Josie brings a vital intensity to the plot, capturing each layer of her character's grief-stricken journey with an honest and raw energy. Janet McTeer, on the other hand, perfectly portrays a woman of elegance and aloofness, expertly masking the sorrow and sudden disarray left in the wake of her son’s death with her icy demeanor.

Adding to the atmospheric tension is the supporting role of Emily Rios as Pen, Josie's free-spirited best friend, who serves as the counterpoint to Josie's inexplicable grief, offering glimmers of light amidst the film's dark theme. Her character strength lies in the seeming normalcy, an everyday individual dealing with the event's residual effects in contrast to the central characters' more violently expressive sorrow.

Paint It Black truly excels in its intense and atmospheric visual narrative. The film is painted with a gothic aesthetic, with the usage of intense shadows, stark contrasts, and occasional splashes of vivid color that adds richness to the narrative, creating an eerie, somber atmosphere that mirrors the protagonists' psychological landscapes.

One of the significant highlights of Paint It Black is its captivating score. The film employs a hauntingly beautiful composition of piano pieces throughout its narrative, serving as a constant, chilling reminder of the absent Michael, heightening the emotional turmoil that the characters, especially Josie and Meredith, experience.

The film masterfully explores the complexities and devastation of grief while scrutinizing the volatile dynamics of love, loss, and the messy entanglement of emotions left behind in the wake of a loved one's death, inviting audiences on a journey that is as heart wrenching as it is captivating.

In conclusion, Paint It Black exudes a particular kind of gloomy beauty with its intense performances, abstract poetic visuals, and cathartic narrative. It is a film that pulls at the audiences' heartstrings and remains lingering in their minds long after the credits roll. Director Amber Tamblyn navigates the narrative with a steady hand, balancing the moments of pain with those of bittersweet relief, creating a unique portrayal of grief that is not often seen in cinema, making Paint It Black an unforgettable viewing experience. A remarkable feat, especially for a directorial debut.