Straight Up

Straight Up is a uniquely captivating romantic comedy that debuted in 2019. Helmed by James Sweeney, who stars in the lead role, it presents a swift, smart whirlwind of dialogue and carefully crafted humor. Although a comedy, it touches on some profound psychological issues, thoughtfully and sensitively exploring the complexity of love, identity, intimacy, and the general spectrum of human relationships.

The storyline primarily revolves around the life of Todd, a highly neurotic and intelligent young man, who is incredibly obsessed with cleanliness and order. He is constantly inundated with a flurry of thoughts, which sometimes makes it hard for him to connect with the people around him. He also has a fixation on the number 2136, a recurring thematic motif that adds a unique flavor to the storyline and Todd's character.

James Sweeney, who appears in the role of Todd, has done a remarkable job. His fast-paced dialogue delivery perfectly aligns with Todd's neurotic character, and the resulting performance delivers a degree of realism that makes the characters more relatable and the movie more compelling.

While Todd believes himself to be gay, he finds sexual attraction confusing and struggles with the concept. This overarching theme of sexual orientation and identity crisis adds a layer of complexity to the movie, making it far from your average romantic comedy.

Our protagonist's journey takes a dynamic turn when he meets the smart and beautiful Rory, played by Katie Findlay. Rory is an underemployed actress, who is full of life and navigating her personal challenges. Despite being Todd's opposite in many ways, she finds a deep connection with him.

Their meeting occurs quite surprisingly when Todd, in his quest to debunk his homosexuality, seeks a straight relationship. As Todd and Rory's relationship develops from simple friendship towards something more undefined, it becomes increasingly evident how well they complement each other. They colour each other's lives in ways they hadn't anticipated, helping each other face their realities, and growing throughout the journey.

Katie Findlay's portrayal of Rory is blunt, forthright and absolutely refreshing. She balances Rory's sense of independence with her vulnerability beautifully and manages to strike a deep chord with her emotional resonance throughout the movie.

The third key character introduced in Straight Up is Meg, portrayed by Dana Drori. Meg is Todd's therapist who initially seemed inconsequential but evolved into a character of substance and impact. Meg's engaging interactions with Todd provide moments of gravity, adding depth to the storyline and exploring the nuances of Todd's character and his struggles.

One of the most striking aspects of Straight Up is its intriguing exploration of the fluidity in human relationships. It delves into the enigmatic gray areas that often exist between friend-zone and love, straight and gay, platonic and romantic. All of this is done with a blend of humor that is smart, biting, and subversively funny, proving that comedy doesn't have to be frivolous; it can also be thoughtful, poignant and profound.

Straight Up features a cinematographic aesthetic that is highly sleek and clean. It complements the charmingly chaotic energy between its characters and the sharp, rapid dialogue exchanged throughout. Several scenes feature symmetrically staged, cleverly choreographed shots that echo Wes Anderson's style, providing a visually pleasing spectacle.

Another unique element in Straight Up is its discerning use of music, which is significantly minimalistic. The soundtrack, though sparse, aptly fits the film’s tone and nuances. It seamlessly marks the transitions, underscoring pivotal moments without overwhelming the dialogue.

In summary, Straight Up is an innovative romantic comedy that defies conventional categorizations. It is a smart, witty exploration of identity and intimacy, underlined by engaging performances from its cast. Through its tight script, hypnotizing pacing, and clever humor, Straight Up presents a touching study of human relationships that is both insightful and highly enjoyable. It is a movie well worth considering for anyone seeking a refreshing, thoughtful, and delightful cinematic experience.