Skills Like This

Skills Like This is a unique cinematic exploration of aimlessness, adventure, and unexpected self-discovery. Directed by Monty Miranda, this indie comedy-drama from 2007 introduces us to a group of millennials who find bizarre yet heartfelt ways to navigate life’s uncertainties.

Spencer Berger, who also wrote the screenplay, plays the lead role of Max Solomon - a struggling playwright. Max is in his twenties and stuck in a creative rut, blissfully aware of his inability to write a successful play. His latest creation 'The Onion Dance' is so disastrous that it leads Max to question his talent and aspirations. As he grapples with failure, he seeks solace and escapades with his two best friends, Tommy and Dave, played by Brian D. Phelan and Gabriel Tigerman.

Brian D. Phelan brings to life the character of Tommy, a train conductor who is an emblem of stability and job security. However, with his monotone life and romantic problems, Tommy clearly struggles with his own version of everyday disappointment. On the other hand, Gabriel Tigerman plays the character of Dave, a teacher fused with a sense of humor and perspective. Despite his charm and wit, Dave finds it difficult to navigate his tangled romantic life.

While drowning their disappointment in a local pub, a spontaneous and bold decision leads Max down a new path. In the spur of the moment, Max robs a bank, a reckless act, catapulting him, and his friends into a world of chaos. Quite unanticipatedly, Max finds himself to be a skillful crook and embarks on an unconventional venture which triggers a series of hilarious encounters and paradoxically - self-realisation.

The movie humorously spotlights the aspect of being at crossroads where a man must choose between a safe haven of mediocrity in the face of failure, and the thrilling unknown laden with risks. Amid robbery, romance and rampant mediocrity, Max learns to confront his own insecurities, shortcomings, and talents, giving viewers an eccentric education on the thorny journey of self-exploration.

The new-found thrill does not keep Max from crossing paths with a determined detective and an eccentric love interest, further intertwining his hilarious and troublesome life ventures. The narrative takes an interesting turn when Max crosses paths with Lucy, played by Kerry Knuppe, a bank teller turned love interest. The budding romance yet another layer of complexity to the storyline as Max juggles love, his unforeseen talent for robbery, wavering aspirations, and the looming risk of getting caught.

Miranda successfully blends earnest friendship, millennial angst, absurd comedy, and sweet romance in Skills Like This, making it a stand-out in the independent film sphere. The movie has an element of raw, unpredictable energy that is reflected in its screenplay, cinematography, and performances.

Berger displays excellent versatility in his role, convincingly portraying a struggling artist who gets caught up in a web of crime and romance and provides a platform to convey emotions that anyone stuck in uncertain times can relate to. Phelan and Tigerman offer convincing portrayals of their respective characters, of normalcy and disregard, providing a compelling dynamic to this cinematic experience.

The film's music, composed by Justin R. Durban, nicely complements its overall tone, creating an engaging atmosphere that oscillates between comedic, chaotic, and contemplative moments. The vibrant visuals and engaging dialogue accentuate the innate humor and the unexpected charm of the movie.

Skills Like This subtly, in its unique way, emphasizes the values of friendship, self-discovery, and the fact that in life, like Max, we are sometimes blind to our real talent until placed in bizarre and unfamiliar situations. This makes the movie relatable, and it resonates with anyone going through uncertain times or simply questioning their capabilities and purpose.

The film is a reminder of how life doesn't always have to make sense and how our missteps often guide us to discover unexpected paths and hidden skills about ourselves we never knew we possessed. Its unconventional narrative and endearing performances combine to make Skills Like This a memorable and heartwarming piece of indie cinema.