Please Be Normal

Please Be Normal is a touching, contemplative indie film released in 2014, featuring standout performances by Louis Cancelmi, Evan Enderle, and Dana Eskelson. The film represents a delicate and often emotional narrative about love, dreams, and sacrifice.

Louis Cancelmi, known distinctly for his sharp performances, paints an authentic portrayal of Sam, an introverted man navigating through struggles and aspirations with a tender determination. Sam's character is deeply invested in bookbinding - a profession that is under threat due to technological developments and economic realities. It is this labor of love that is made tangible through Cancelmi's broad spectrum of exhibition and detailed portrayal of the dwindling but deeply cherished craft.

Evan Enderle breathes life into his character, Victor, Sam's best friend. Their dynamic and kinetic relationship brings humor, warmth, and realism to the screen. The chemistry between them engulfs you, transports you into their world, making the audience part of their laughter, debates, and quandaries. Despite their differences, Sam's contemplative demeanor contrasts well with Victor's ebullience, making for a compelling and enjoyable viewing experience. Enderle’s grasp over his character provides a fresh and critical look at the narrative framework, making the viewers understand the depths, highs, and intricate nature of friendship in the modern age.

Dana Eskelson's peformance as Mary, the love interest and the emotional pillar in Sam's life, is truly soul-stirring. Her character adds an additional layer of emotional weight to the plot. Mary balances her passion for acting with her commitment to Sam, leading you down a path of emotional investment and soul-searching.

The movie unfolds amidst the backdrop of New York City, however, it is far removed from the glitzy, glamorous facade one often associates with the Big Apple. It chooses instead to delve into the quiet, often ignored corners of the city, offering a refreshing antithesis to the usual city melodrama. Director Haik Kocharian beautifully captures the essence of raw, real-life scenarios with an intricate focus on their minute details. The film’s atmospherics are heightened by an understated aesthetic that brings a profound sense of authenticity to the story.

That said, Please be Normal is a journey through several themes, carefully woven into the narrative. It poses questions about the value of traditional craftsmanship in a digitally driven era, the meaning of love and commitment, and the relevance of personal dreams in the face of life's harsh realities. It addresses the emotional economy of modern relationships, and how one navigates through the delicate balance between pursuing one's passion and taking responsibility for those who depend on them.

Above all, Please Be Normal underscores the power of dreams and the sacrifices one is willing to make to achieve them. It showcases how resilience, determination, and grit often shape a person's journey and in turn, their life. It argues that even in quiet desperation, life has a strange way of making things work. Yet it does not shy away from presenting an unflinching, realistic portrayal of life's challenges, heartbreaks and the often difficult choices one must make.

The movie maker's knack for subtlety and sensitivity sets Please Be Normal apart. In a world gone mad with action-packed thrillers and over-the-top drama, this film offers a stark, refreshing, and hopeful alternative. It is a beautiful exploration of human resilience, dreams, and love that pitches inventive storytelling with gripping performances.

Through performances that are poignant, heartfelt, and resolute in their respective arcs, Cancelmi, Enderle, and Eskelson channel a reminder of life's fragility and the sheer power of hope. Their earnest portrayals allow viewers an intimate look into the challenges and dreams of their characters, leading to an engaging narrative that is as real as it is profound.

In conclusion, Please Be Normal is a wonderful, emotional voyage of love, ambition, and heartbreak. Its powerful narrative, combined with brilliant performances and thoughtful direction, provides an immersive cinematic experience that is both poignant and inspiring. It is an intimate expedition into the fascinating, yet challenging world of dreams and reality, traversing a landscape of intense emotions and choices that are depicted with an engaging sense of authenticity and allure.