Wendy and Lucy - Review

For some time now Michelle Williams has slowly been growing a reputation as one of the most versatile and talented actresses working today. She may not command huge fees, or receive massive box office receipts; she certainly is not Renee Zellweger or Julia Roberts, and probably never will be. Even more to her credit. Instead she has managed to remain low key and pick interesting, unique and original films to demonstrate her range of acting. With Wendy and Lucy she has almost become an anti-star. Her character Wendy is nothing special, she doesn't flaunt sex appeal or even play up her femininity. For the entire film she looks like just another person you might see on the street. From her films with Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, I'm Not There) to recent Incendiary alongside Ewan McGregor, Williams is always incredible to watch, nuanced and understated. Her next film might give her some greater exposure starring in Shutter Island, but I can't imagine her taking on the mantel of a typical Hollywood leading lady.

Credit is also due to Kelly Reichardt, the director who is gaining plaudits as one of America's great independent filmmakers. Having only seen Wendy and Lucy I cannot comment but based on the brilliance of this film I'm not surprised.

The central premise is as simple as they come. Wendy is travelling to Alaska looking for work with dog Lucy when her Honda breaks down and she subsequently loses Lucy. The rest of the film is Wendy stuck in a small town with ever dwindling finances desperately trying to locate her missing dog, whilst trying to find a way to fix her car. That's all there is to it. And the film is a joy for it. Minimalist in story and also in style, Reichardt allows Williams to shine of screen, and gently sucks us into this lonely young woman's plight. When the finale comes, only the cold hearted will not be emotionally distraught by the events. What makes the film so wonderful is that it doesn't try to extract emotion from you, instead presenting a lifelike group of characters, all of whom have their own life's and problems.

When I watched Wendy and Lucy there were only 4 people in the screening, including myself and it's a real shame to think more people won't see this little gem of film, which has a stunning central performance and a subtle masterly direction. It might be low on incident but it is certainly high on heart. Definitely one of the best films I have seen this year, and a great relief from overblown melodramatic films which clutter up our cinemas and box office.