USA FILM FESTIVAL
Greetings again from the darkness. One need only watch a couple of episodes of “Leave it to Beaver” to comprehend just how ideal and perfect family life in the 1950’s was. Only that was a Hollywood façade and real life was much different, especially for anyone who wasn’t a straight white male … and even many of those served in the military during the Korean War and/or faced the pressure of being the sole breadwinner. Daniel Minahan (known mostly for his TV work) directs the screenplay from Bryan Kass (LIZZIE, 2018) who adapted the 2019 novel from Shannon Pufahl.
Daisy Edgar-Jones (TWISTERS, 2024) stars as Muriel, a young woman who reluctantly accepts the wedding proposal from Lee (Will Poulter, DEATH OF A UNICORN, 2025; MIDSOMMAR, 2019). In keeping with the times, Lee assumes his dreams of a new house in the growing suburbs of California are shared by his new partner … so he’s a bit annoyed by her reluctance to sell her childhood Kansas house she inherited from her recently deceased mother. A third wheel pops up in the form of Lee’s rudderless younger brother Julius (Jacob Elordi, PRISCILLA, 2023), who has recently been discharged from the Navy.
An intriguing connection forms between Muriel and Julius, and it continues playing out through the entirety of the story. While Lee strives for the traditional American dream, Julius and Muriel separately maneuver through their own internal emotions that don’t easily slide into the life respectable folks are expected to follow. Both have a bit of hustler in them as Muriel uses her alert ears during shifts as a diner waitress to pick up tips on the next horse race, while Julius capitalizes on his casino surveillance job – one that brings him money and love.
Two excellent supporting roles are courtesy of Diego Calva (BABYLON, 2022) and Sasha Calle (THE FLASH, 2023). To disclose specifics would be to reveal spoilers that I refuse to serve up. What I can say is the story takes us from Kansas to California to Las Vegas to Tijuana. Along the way, we witness the challenges faced by those out of step with society. We see the deceits required as these characters walk the line between what’s expected and the path to follow their own dreams. It can be heartbreaking and frustrating, and Minahan’s film expertly shoots down the façade of the perfect 50’s. The acting is superb, with Daisy Edgar-Jones seamlessly capturing the look of the era, while Jacob Elordi beautifully fulfills the more difficult role. This is a film for those who appreciate climbing inside the characters to understand their longing.
Now playing in theaters
Posted by David Ferguson 
There may be no such thing as a Free Lunch, but thanks to the USA Film Festival, there is something even better … FREE MOVIES! Of course, not all screenings are held at no charge, yet this remains an affordable and entertaining festival experience for all film lovers.
This year’s opening night event on April 23 is “The World of Nancy Kwan – A Salute to Nancy Kwan”. The breakout star of THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG (1960) will participate in a book signing and an on-stage conversation, following a career retrospective including clips of her performances in film and television. Also on opening day, there is a Salute to renowned director Jon Avnet with a screening of his new film, THE LAST RODEO. Mr. Avnet will attend along with the film’s co-stars, Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson. All three were involved with the fantastic TV series, “Justified” and “Boomtown”, and Mr. Avnet is known for having directed FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991), as well as Broadway plays.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 