They're Out of the Business

They're Out of The Business is a quintessential indie drama-comedy film directed by Eric Schaeffer and Donal Lardner Ward. The film stars Schaeffer (director, writer, and producer of other notable successes such as "My Life’s in Turnaround," "If Lucy Fell," and the TV series "Starved”) and Ward (an Emmy winner for "The Beiderbecke Tapes") with notable appearances by Ian Azumosir.

The film unfolds as a portrayal of two middle-aged filmmakers, Splick and Jason (Eric Schaeffer and Donal Lardner Ward respectively). The pair, who had once taken the New York indie scene by storm, find themselves grappling with the fact that they’ve seemingly been washed out by the industry they once ruled over.

The narrative starts by establishing the falling out of these two best friends and collaborators after the disastrous end of their low-budget cable access show. The story swiftly jumps ahead to 10 years later. We see Splick and Jason living very different lives. Splick appears to have successfully transitioned into the corporate world working in the advertising sector, while Jason, on the other hand, seems stuck in his glory days as he mournfully clocks in the hours at his family’s Irish Pub.

A pivotal point in the film is a seemingly accidental encounter between the two protagonists. This unexpected run-in quickly leads to an anxiety-filled discussion of their shared past and the distinct trajectories their lives have taken since. In this conversation, the pair laments over their lost dreams, their unrealized potential, the unpredictability of life, and their shadowy futures. This nostalgic conversation and shared yearning for the success they once had sets in motion a series of events that reignite their old partnership.

With this, viewers see the pair embark on an earnest yet somewhat ill-advised attempt to revive their faded creative careers. The journey is riddled with comedic calamities and somber moments of reflection, and the film elegantly navigates the thin line between the 'chase-your-dream' trope and the sobering reality of life's unpredictability, lending a unique flavor to its narrative.

"They're Out of the Business" punches above its weight by riding the nostalgia wave, while also delivering an intriguing take on the classic mid-life crisis story. It offers a profound lens to examine the repercussions of letting go of one's artistic ambitions for practicality, and the complexity of regrets. The underlying themes throughout the film add a touching dimension, culminating in a masterstroke of heartfelt cinema that compels audiences to reflect upon their own lives, decisions, and dreams.

Both Schaeffer and Ward deliver captivating performances, convincingly portraying men grappling with realities that haven't quite turned out as they'd planned. Ian Azumosir's role in the film further strengthens the narrative with his convincing portrayal, adding one more layer to the overall character dynamics.

The thoughtful writing, the sincere direction, and the raw, unfiltered performances lend the film an air of authenticity. Coupled with the film's wry humor and introspective drama, audiences are treated to a well-rounded, engaging viewing experience.

The filmmaking styles of Schaeffer and Ward work in perfect harmony to create an intriguing narrative pattern that captivates the audiences in “They’re Out of the Business.” The film enlivens its medium, playing with the viewer's emotions and perceptions and drawing them into the narrative tapestry, making them an inseparable part of the protagonists' journey.

Ultimately, "They're Out of the Business" serves as a poignant exploration of life, ambition, and the daunting task of coming to terms with one’s past, present, and future. It's a testament to the universality of the human condition, inherent disappointments, and the burning, relentless desire to break-free and reclaim lost dreams. Engaging, insightful, and often comedic, the film stands out as a unique blend of drama and humor with an authentic exploration of human emotions and ambitions.

This surely is a film recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking, heartwarming, and entertaining cinematic experience. It reminds us, in an artful and beautifully articulated way, of the compelling facets of life we all face: decisions, regrets, friendships, fallout, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds.