The Mend

The Mend is an independent-style film from 2014, starring Josh Lucas, Cory Nichols, and Lucy Owen. This film is an artful exploration of contemporary relationships, striking a balance between comedy and drama. The film captures the complexities of family dynamics, relationships, and self-realization amidst chaos and conflict.

The Mend opens with the collision of two distinctly opposite worlds, characterized by the two protagonists Mat (played by Josh Lucas) and Alan (played by Stephen Plunkett). Mat is a reckless, hedonistic drifter leaning on the wilder side of life. Mat oozes charisma but is equally imperfect, making him an intriguing and somewhat disorienting character. He’s unable to hold on to a job, relationship, or even a decent apartment. On the other end, there's his younger brother Alan, a clean-cut, money-making machine with a much more stable and planned life. While Alan has worldly possessions, he struggles to find satisfaction and happiness within.

Their lives intercept at a party hosted by Alan and his girlfriend Farrah (played by Mickey Sumner) in their upscale New York City apartment. Post-party, Mat, having nowhere else to go, claims a spot on Alan's couch for an indefinite period. An unexpected trip leaves the apartment under Mat’s supervision, and Alan's son Ronnie (Cory Nichols) suddenly becomes a joint tenant. Alongside Mat's on-and-off girlfriend Andrea (Lucy Owen), this motley crew finds themselves bound together in tight quarters.

During their cohabitation, we journey through the lives of these captivatingly flawed characters. The dynamics of this makeshift family oscillate between tension and tenderness, as layers unfurl, revealing the raw emotions residing in each character.

The movie, directed and written by John Magary, is a jarring, refreshing take on human relationships. Magary beautifully portrays the chaos of life and relationships through the intense, varied interconnectedness of the characters. The Mend challenges the audience to grapple with the dichotomy of Mat's aimless wandering and Alan’s structured living. It blurs the lines between the ‘right' and 'wrong' ways of living, offering a nuanced portrayal of modern existence.

Josh Lucas, in his role as Mat, sizzles with volatile unpredictability, equally exasperating and charming the audience. His physical performance alone communicates volumes, creating a character that is both fascinating and deeply frustrating, providing one of his finest performances to date.

Stephen Plunkett, in the part of Alan, is phenomenal as well, in a quieter and subtler way. Plunkett's credibly renders the character's struggles and uncertainties beneath his seemingly perfect facade. Although the character’s life appears orderly and neat, there's resilience and vulnerability that Stephen Plunkett has beautifully brought forth.

Young actor Cory Nichols adds another layer of depth as the modestly put-upon adolescent, struggling to understand the strange adults around him, while Lucy Owen presents an enigmatic character, combining strength and fragility in equal measure.

The Mend has a directional style that's deliberate and impactful. Every character's depth is explored to the fullest, mirroring the intrinsic human reality of brokenness and healing. The film beautifully unravels into a kind of honest portrayal of life and human relationships that often don't follow a straightforward path.

It's a masterful, visually engaging story that deconstructs familial dynamics and individual despair. Using humor as an undercurrent, it delves deep into the concept of contemporary masculinity while examining life's unpredictability.

The Mend stands as a remarkable exhibition of independent cinema. It’s a thought-provoking, circuitous journey that studies the complexities of human character and relationships, underlined with biting humor and poignant emotion. A must-watch for those who appreciate films exploring personal growth and familial relations with a sense of realism and humor.