The Passing Season

The Passing Season, a 2016 drama, is a beautiful exposé on the fleeting nature of youth, friendship, and the tribulations of embracing adulthood. The movie navigates these themes by tactfully employing silence, subtlety, drama, comedy, and exceptional performances by its cast, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The movie features the talented Brian J. Smith, widely known for his impactful role in 'Sense8,' as the protagonist Sam. Sam is a professional hockey player who is struggling with the unsupportive nature of his own life. A career-ending injury forces him back to his quaint hometown in Cape Cod, presenting him with life-changing circumstances.

Sam is compelled to face the stark reality of his mundane life without pro-hockey; he has to confront problems from his past, reconcile with his lost dreams, and questions on his future. This forms the essence of the plot that presents him various situations to ponder what flavor of life he truly wants, whether it is fame or a simple life surrounded by loved ones. The transition from a successful athletic career to an average Joe adds to the dilemma and complexity of the character Sam is, capturing the viewer’s interest and heightening the relatability factor.

Alongside Brian, the movie also stars Elizabeth Alderfer, known for her work in 'Disjointed,' as Sam’s old-time crush. Her character, Amy, is a constant reminder of what life could have been for Sam if there were different choices made. Furthermore, her choices and actions provide the movie with a unique seasoning of complicated love triangles, unfulfilled promises, and heartbreaking reality checks.

The spotlight also shines on Gayle Rankin, recognized for her roles in 'GLOW' and 'Perry Mason.' She plays the role of Martine in a way that adds drama, humor, and unpredictability to the mix. It is her introduction that the film starts to deviate from a regular high-school reunion story towards a road less traveled. Her dynamics with Sam and Amy add exciting twists to the plot and enrich the otherwise poignant narrative.

As the story unfolds, viewers witness a stream of relationships, which lends depth to the characters. Aside from the three principal characters, there is a bunch of supporting cast that contribute to the story in their capacities, making the narrative whole. With each character hailing from different walks of life, they bring about various perspectives on life, love, aspiration, success, and morality to the table.

From a visual perspective, The Passing Season provides stunningly intimate shots and breathtaking views of Cape Cod, allowing viewers to submerge fully into the story while appreciating the beautiful cinematography. These elements elevate the movie-watching experience and make the narrative more tangible.

An inescapable charm of The Passing Season is the heartfelt and relatable dialogue, instilling a sense of realism within the storyline. The dialogues are well-written and profound, making us often introspect our life, counting our blessings or shortcomings simultaneously.

The beauty of The Passing Season is its transition from a light-hearted drama to a thought-provoking analysis of life's meaningful moments. Symbols of friendship, redemption, lost love, complacency, and the audacity to confront one's path in life are illuminated in the careful nuances of the story written and directed by Gabriel Long.

The resounding score of the film galvanizes emotions and amplifies the story’s effect. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride, seamlessly merging with the scenes, managing to complement and add value to each moment portrayed on screen. It ranges from cheering tunes to heart-wrenching melodies, making the movie a complete audio-visual treat.

In essence, The Passing Season is a captivating portrayal of personal struggle, the pursuit of happiness, and the courage to choose your own path. It asks critical questions about our definitions of success and contentment while being a treat to watch.

It is an authentic portrayal of the human experience that leaves viewers with plenty to ponder long after the film has ended. Watch The Passing Season for its brilliant performances, moving storyline, and excellent execution. This movie is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.