[usr 4]
Two guys serendipitously meet at a time when they both find themselves at personal crossroads and decide to embark on an unplanned road trip across the American Southwest.
Tony Revolori and Jason Mantzoukas shine in “The Long Dumb Road.” Their chemistry and witty banter are unmatched. Directed by Hannah Fidell, this film teaches life lessons through a simple road trip. It also explores how differences in class, race, and age, divide us and how they bring us together.
Nat (Revolori) is a 19-year-old driving to his art school in Los Angeles when his car breaks down. Richard (Mantzoukas) happens to be a mechanic and fixes it for him. He then asks him for a ride in exchange for the repair. Richard is older than Nat but he seems way wiser. Richard has obviously been through a lot and he’s not quiet about it at all. Throughout their drive, Richard attempts to give Nat advice. He also relays his own mistakes and goes to visit an old flame. Richard Livingston also becomes an interesting character from Richard’s past.
What works in this movie is that these two are complete opposites. Nat is artistic, young, and lives off his parents’ money. Richard, on the other hand, has always been broke, working dead-end jobs, and has made a lot of mistakes in his life. Richard mocks Nathan’s privilege but obviously also benefits from Nathan lending him a ride.
“The Long Dumb Road” isn’t wholly original yet director Hannah Fidell gives it her own flare. It doesn’t gloss over anything or promise a happy ending and that’s exactly what makes it so unique.
In theaters Friday, November 16th
