The Only Living Boy in New York

The Only Living Boy in New York from 2017 is a contemporary, coming-of-age drama that tenderly explores the complex world of relationships, love, and finding one's identity in the buzz of the big city. The movie is directed by Marc Webb, the man behind popular works like "500 Days of Summer," and "The Amazing Spider-Man," and features performances from an ensemble cast, including bright young talent Callum Turner and seasoned actors Kate Beckinsale, Pierce Brosnan, and Jeff Bridges.

In the movie, Callum Turner plays Thomas Webb, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer living in New York City's Lower East Side. He is the son of Judith Webb, played by Cynthia Nixon, and Ethan Webb, played by Pierce Brosnan, who is a publisher. The relatively comfortable yet seemingly aimless life of Thomas is somewhat burdened by his complicated relationship with his mother and strained connection with his successful yet distant father.

After a chance encounter with his neighbor, a washed-up author named W.F. Gerald played by Jeff Bridges, Thomas is drawn into a mentor-mentee relationship. This relationship enriches his perspective on life as he navigates the crossroads of his existence teetering between youth and adulthood. The tipsy and sagacious Bridges proves a compelling guide and confidante, adding layers to the story's narrative, presenting the young man with food for thought and feeding the audience with gems of pragmatic wisdom.

As the narrative unfolds, Thomas crosses paths with Johanna, an attractive yet mysterious woman portrayed by Kate Beckinsale. He eventually gets caught in what can be best described as an arduous love triangle adding unexpected twists to the storyline. The plot thickens as secrets tumble out, loyalties are tested, and relationships become complicated, providing audiences with a fascinating look at human nature, emotional dilemmas, and life's uncertainties.

The film is set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of New York City. The city almost feels like a character in the movie with its vibrant vibes, diversity, and charm adding a unique texture to the story. It's something that bassist Paul Simon would be proud about, seeing the depth of the city he once sang about in his song, 'The Only Living Boy in New York,' from which the movie takes its name.

Despite being dominated by a somewhat melancholy tone, the movie sparks moments of lightness, warmth, and humor. Thanks to Webb's sensitive direction and sharp screenwriting by Allan Loeb, the film manages to keep the audience engaged throughout, avoiding the trap of turning into a bleak metropolitan narrative.

Performances by the cast are commendable, with everyone delivering their roles convincingly. Callum Turner, as Thomas, pulls off the challenging task of portraying a young man grappling with emotional chaos with a believable earnestness. Kate Beckinsale, as the enchanting Johanna, explores her character with a delicate mix of charm and mystique, while Pierce Brosnan delivers a sturdy performance as the stoic and success-obsessed father. However, it is Jeff Bridges who steals the show with his magnetic screen presence and compelling portrayal of Thomas’ intriguing mentor.

The Only Living Boy in New York is an intimate look at life, affording us a deeper understanding of family dynamics, love, loyalty, deception, and personal transformation. It's about the joy and pains of growing up, the entanglements of love, and the journeys we undertake to discover our true selves, making it an absorbing watch for those with an appetite for introspective dramas with a hint of romance and humor.

This film is a pleasant addition to the urban-drama genre, promising a rich cinematic experience with its compelling narrative, impressive performances, and striking cinematography. Whether you're a young adult trying to make sense of life or a seasoned viewer who enjoys nuanced tales of human relationships, The Only Living Boy in New York is likely to resonate with you and leave you contemplating about the many possibilities life offers.