The Great & The Small

The Great & The Small, released in 2016, is a dramatic indie feature film that explores human connection. Nick Fink portrays Scott, a recovering kleptomaniac who is navigating the turbulent currents of his life while on probation. The cast also includes Ritchie Coster as Richie and Melanie Lynskey as Ellen, characters who significantly affect Scott's quest for a stable life.

Set in the bustling, often unforgiving backdrop of a contemporary American city, The Great & The Small skillfully weaves a complex tapestry of a narrative, filled with emotional intricacies, and grounded in the harsh realities of life. Scott, the film's protagonist, is lodged firmly in the dregs of society. Not only is he recovering from kleptomania, but he is also caught in the dreary undertow of a bleak economic landscape. He is forced to undertake petty thievery to sustain his daily needs while he is continuously whittled down by his misdemeanor and the strict rules of his probation.

Paired with this, Scott is also battling personal hardships. His relationship with his on-again-off-again girlfriend is tumultuous at best, often damaging his commitments to both physical and mental wellness. With hopes of stable future slightly flickering on the horizon, Scott is torn between pressing forward and reverting to his old chaotic lifestyle.

Melanie Lynskey's performance as Ellen, the property manager at Scott's apartment complex, is a significant addition and gives the movie another dimension. Although tough and uncompromising due to the nature of her job and from life's harsh ordeals, Ellen shows her gentle side and provides a more profound perspective into people's struggles to survive in harsh conditions. Her character establishes a symbolic representation of resilience, strength, and hope and contributes significantly to the storyline of Scott's growth and transformation.

Ritchie also portrays an imperative role as Richie, Scott's boss, and occasional accomplice. His compelling performance provides critical input to the story, notably providing a contrast between his relationship with Scott and the one that Scott later develops with Ellen. On the one hand, Richie perpetuates Scott's state of being, often taking advantage of it for his selfish gain. On the other hand, Ellen empathizes with Scott and attempts to give him a fair chance at improving his life.

Dustin Guy Defa, with his adept direction, insightfully explores the raw desperation of the marginalized. It is an unsentimental examination of the reality in the lives of individuals who live precariously on society's edge, capturing the grimness and starkness of their world, which is seldom brought to the fore.

However, the film goes beyond being merely a representation of disenfranchised individuals; it speaks volumes about hope, redemption, and resilience. It examines how, against all odds, individuals can muster the strength to fight for a better life. It offers a peek into how life’s enormous decisions often boil down to a series of small but significant choices we make daily.

Cinematography by Mike Gioulakis employs an immersive visual style that captures ordinary moments and transforms them into poignant and impactful narrative elements. Serving as an additional character, the city in which the movie is filmed throws intermittent challenges at Scott, forcing him to fight, adapt and reflect.

The script by Defa is punctuated with a fine balance of bleak despair and hearty humor, which enhances the movie's multi-layered narrative. The film’s storyline successfully builds tension as Scott navigates various trials of his life while seeking deliverance. Additionally, the movie’s realistic dialogue and theme systematize and divide the film into distinctly identifiable subplots, keeping viewers engaged.

The talented ensemble cast's performances effortlessly carry the weight of the film. Fink gives a striking performance as Scott, emoting the struggles he faces with conviction and enthusiasm. Coster's portrayal of Richie successfully illustrates a better-off yet equally damaged individual. Lynskey adds subtlety and grace to the film with her moving performance as Ellen.

In conclusion, The Great & The Small is a fascinating exploration of life, survival, redemption, and resilience, bringing to the screen the underrepresented narratives of those grappling with the grittier side of life. It is a movie full of contrasts, set in a world that is as harsh as it is hopeful.