Transatlantic Coffee

Transatlantic Coffee is a 2012 relationship-drama, placing its firm focus on human emotions, the complexity of life, love, and the vast universe of dreams. Written and directed by Erik Peter Carlson and starring Kevin Pinassi, Rae Olivier, and Marcel Torres, the movie defies conventional storytelling, challenging its audience to tread in the deeper waters of existential philosophy, psychological exploration, and the enigma of human connections.

The story centers around Alex (Kevin Pinassi), an unkempt, hapless, and unemployed man living in the hipster-centric town of Brooklyn, New York. The struggles of his day-to-day existence are compounded by his struggles with a form of Autism. Alex is an enticing protagonist, meticulously curated as an ordinary man, eccentric, a bit deranged, but capable of extraordinary love. His character makes the audience question traditional stereotypes, presenting the beautiful, loving side of a persona that society often misunderstands.

Enter ‘Blue’ Jean Douglas, played by the brilliantly expressive Rae Olivier, a stripper with a heart of gold and dreams that stretch across the vast Atlantic. Jean represents the ambitious, yet realistic dreamer within us all - a character designed to question the paradigms of morality, ambition, and societal norms. The unlikely couple navigates through life's upheavals, pursuing dreams and seeking authentic love in the chaos of their existences. Their relationship showcases an unorthodox but genuine love story, set amidst the backdrop of their unique life choices and personal demons.

Alex and Jean’s segmenting narrative unfolds between two cities, London and New York, bringing in another character, a ten-year-old kid named Sammy, played by Marcel Torres. Sammy, an orphan, lives in London and becomes an integral part of this kaleidoscopic narrative, although he is oceans apart from Alex and Jean. The purpose of Sammy's character is to weave together the elements of dreams, transatlantic connections, and poignant relationships in the film.

Erik Peter Carlson's innovative storytelling in Transatlantic Coffee oscillates between the mundane and the miraculous, the dramatic and the humorous, and primarily the bleak and the beautiful aspects of life. At the crux of this narrative, he places the interconnectedness of human lives and dreams, embodied by the characters of Alex, Jean, and Sammy, whose lives are interwoven through their pursuit of dreams and love. Transatlantic Coffee will force you to meditate upon the often neglected, deeper layers of human relationships, especially the ones that emerge from some of life's challenging corners.

Amidst the gritty realism of the narrative, there is a touch of surrealism that tugs at the subconscious of the audience. The movie heavily uses metaphors, especially the symbolism of dreams and coffee, both of which are crucial elements that sustain Alex and Jean. This metaphoric storytelling adds a unique depth to the narrative, making it a riveting watch.

The compelling screenplay of Transatlantic Coffee is complemented by raw and realistic performances by Kevin Pinassi, Rae Olivier, and Marcel Torres. Kevin Pinassi slips into the skin of Alex with substantial ease, throwing light on the various nuances of his character. Ra Olivier's portrayal of the free-spirited Blue Jean brings vibrance to the otherwise broody narrative while Marcel Torres brings innocence and charm to little Sammy.

Transatlantic Coffee beckons viewers seeking for more than just typical Hollywood entertainment. This is a film that delves into the intricacies of human emotions, unrequited love, dreams and the multidimensional aspect of human existence. Technically, the film is intelligent, with a notable use of close-ups and long shots in the cinematography, accentuating the emotional resonance in various scenes. It's slow-paced yet steadily progressing plot, combined with an eclectic mix of alternative music further ignites the thought-provoking journey of this film.

For audiences who enjoy films rich in psychological aspects, deep character explorations, and poetic commentary on human emotions, then Transatlantic Coffee is certainly a strong contender for your watch list. The movie offers a unique portrayal of love, dreams, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment that challenges and inspires in equal measure.