What's The Matter With Gerald?

The 2016 movie, What's The Matter With Gerald?, is an engaging comedy-drama that quite successfully manages to blend themes of personal journey, self-identity, midlife crisis, and emotional discovery into a coherent and captivating storyline. The film is directed by Matt Riddlehoover, whose previous works are also deeply characterized by exploring human relationships and personal turmoil. The film features the impressive talents of Jacob York, Kathy Cash, and Jonathan Everett, whose performances add depth and a certain level of authenticity to the narrative.

Jacob York showcases balanced acting skills in the role of Gerald, a wealthy slob. He's the kind of character that viewers might find it hard to sympathize with initially, but as the story unfolds and his vulnerabilities become apparent, the audience is likely to warm up to him. Gerald is someone who might seem to have it all - money, a materially stable lifestyle, a solid relationship, but internally he experiences a tumultuous sea of dissatisfaction, angst, and confusion. York's portrayal of Gerald is ambient and allows the audience to catch onto subtle nuances of his character, which may not be so obvious at first glance.

Kathy Cash as Gerald's bohemian life coach and Jonathan Everett as his long-term boyfriend provide significant support to the main character and the whole story. Their characters add an interesting mix to Gerald's life, each contributing to his journey of self-realization in their unique ways.

The movie dramatically kicks off with Gerald being driven into a mid-life crisis due to some recurrent dreams. Gerald, dealing with a large number of personal and professional anxieties, spirals downward into a crisis of existence. He begins soul-searching, mulling over his choices, and grappling with his life's path so far. That's when a therapist advises him to seek spiritual healing.

From here, Gerald embarks on a fascinating journey of self-discovery, under the guidance of his life coach, Kathy Cash. His episodes with her are humorous, quirky, and deep, revealing a lot about his internal dilemma and emotional struggles. The movie remarkably captures Gerald's emotional transitions as he goes through his healing process.

At the same time, his relationship with his longtime boyfriend Jonathan Everett also goes through a transformation. The ebb and flow in their relationship have been subtly portrayed, adding realism to the film, which the audience can easily connect with. Tensions, conflicts, laughter, and love - all common elements in a relationship - appear organically, which makes it all the more real.

The movie's narrative flourishes as Gerald delves deeper into self-exploration and establishes a new, clearer perspective on life, relationships, and self-worth. It explores Gerald's attempts to understand and grow as an individual despite being torn between complex emotions and self-doubt.

The film's beauty lies in its simplicity and straightforward storytelling. Devoid of any superfluous drama, it delicately handles the issues of identity, growth, and life's purpose. Emphasizing the intricacies and complexities of human relationships, it portrays how personal journeys are essential in finding self-worth and a true understanding of oneself.

What's The Matter With Gerald? is not just about Gerald's journey; it also sheds light on contemporary society and its often superficial approach towards life, personal growth, and relationships. It's a mirror held up against society, forcing it to confront its own self.

Overall, What’s The Matter With Gerald?, is a movie that will make you laugh, reflect, and sometimes shed a tear or two. It's a warm-hearted, intelligent, and thought-provoking film that manages to bring forth a fresh perspective through an engrossing narrative. And with the brilliant performances of Jacob York, Kathy Cash, Jonathan Everett, it's an experience that's worth investing your time in. It might ask you, indirectly - what's your matter?