Some Kind of Heaven

Some Kind of Heaven is a compelling 2020 American documentary film that offers an intimate, behind-the-curtain look at the unique lifestyle in one of the largest and most famous retirement communities in the U.S, known as The Villages in Florida. This thought-provoking film boasts a picturesque pool of characters, most notably featuring Dennis Dean, Lynn Henry, and Anne Kincer.

Directed by Lance Oppenheim in his feature debut, Some Kind of Heaven breaks down the utopian façade of The Villages, unearthing a deeper layer of America's elaborate retirement fantasy. The film is a poignant representation of life in the later years, brilliantly contrasted against the backdrop of this dreamy retirement community that was built on the promise of 'endless summer,' golf courses, organized activities, and youthful dreams at sunset.

Oppenheim takes the audience on an empathetic exploration of personal lives, shared histories, and unseen struggles, painting an extraordinary tale beyond the grandeur of manicured lawns and sun-kissed homes. The protagonists are colorful characters wrestling with daily life. Lead character Dennis Dean, a septuagenarian living out of his van, continuously displays his defiant spirit and optimism despite being on the hunt for a wealthy partner to sustain his lifestyle.

Playing an equally interesting role, we meet Lynn Henry, a Boston woman who moved to The Villages after her husband's death, in hopes of starting anew and finding a community that could diminish her loneliness. Anne Kincer, another key character, and her spouse are dealing with the struggles of keeping their marriage intact in this self-proclaimed paradise. The film exceptionally showcases their individual journeys, with each character providing a unique reflection on aging, community, and the universal pursuit of love and meaning.

By juxtaposing the seemingly paradise-like retirement community with heavier themes of loneliness, financial instability, and substance misuse, the movie beautifully highlights the vast difference between 'paradise promised' and 'paradise lived.'

Throughout the film, Oppenheim's knack for creating wonderful, unique cinematic vignettes stands strong. His directorial style, coupled with an intriguing score from composer Ari Balouzian, sustains the energy and misfit charm of the film. At the same time, the cinematography by David Bolen perfectly captures the idyllic, pastel-hued landscapes of The Villages, which starkly contrasts with the less rosy lives of its inhabitants. This juxtaposition delivers a biting critique about the pursuit of the American dream and the fallacies associated with it.

Some Kind of Heaven is a film that skillfully avoids becoming a typical exposé of a close-knit community or exploiting its characters for the sake of a narrative. Instead, it takes on a far more delicate and respectful approach, creating an empathetic exploration of human life, shared histories, and personal dreams. The clever cinematographic and narrative choices, coupled with riveting characters, make for an absorbing film that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.

In sum, Some Kind of Heaven is not just a film about life in a retirement community; it's a meditation on the human condition, age, the need for companionship, and the relentless pursuit of hapiness. It's an exploration of life's third act and the eternal and universal quest for a life filled with purpose and joy - even in the most unexpected places.

The film is a deeply thought-provoking documentary, breathing life into the moving stories of those thriving, struggling, loving, dreaming, and simply surviving in their golden years. Whether you're close to retirement age or not, there's something to learn from these charming characters, their heartening honesty, their struggles, and their quest for a slice of heaven in their autumn days.

By shedding light on a range of human experiences, struggles, and joys, Some Kind of Heaven offers a fruity mix of humanity, optimism, melancholy, and reality — ultimately, reflecting the beauty, complexity, and contradictions of life itself. It leaves viewers with a greater understanding and respect for the journey of aging, while subtly posing a universal question about how we look for happiness and what it means to grow old.