“CYRUS“. A simple title that describes a film which offers a whole lot more than expected. Also, a film that presents an important step for it’s directors Jay and Mark Duplass, as well as it’s lead actor, Jonah Hill.
The Duplass brothers have been known for being at the forefront of the now defunct “Mumblecore” movement, as well as positive figures in the independent cinema world. The two brothers went to film school in Texas and have now returned to SXSW to premiere their latest, and most expensive film, Cyrus. They have shown their films at SXSW before, but this is the first time they’ve had major stars in their film and studio backing. Some might wonder if this is the start of something bigger and better for these two hometown heroes while others might see it as the beginning of the end. Fortunately, I can safely say that after screening this film, it’s definitely not the latter.
The same can be said for it’s star, Jonah Hill, who takes a surprising turn in this tale of longing and regret. It revolves around it’s titular character Cyrus (Hill) and his struggle to deal with his mom’s new boyfriend played by John C. Reilly. Now while the screen is shared greatly by Reilly, being a seasoned actor this is a return to form for him, but holds something entirely different for Hill.
The film still conveys the beautifully simplistic and often poignant touch of the Duplass brothers even though they’re working with a bigger budget here, and an all-star cast. Each actor in this film completely and utterly gives themselves to represent a common thread of what it truly means to let go. Thrust in the center of this theme is our character Cyrus.
Hill steps into this role with complete ease and comfort, and by doing so lets the audience feel something we can both laugh at and, at the same time, relate to. I myself found the dialogue to be both engaging and subtle with just the right touch of intensity. While that may sound like a bad mixture, it’s that type of contrast that truly makes this film so interesting.
The film itself never lets us become sure of what will happen, for right when we feel we know something will happen, it usually doesn’t and then right when we feel as if we have a grasp on what these characters won’t do, they once again surprise us. It’s almost as if this film wants us to presume we can be comfortable with an awkward subject and then without warning will turn the whole situation on it’s head.
This is a film that I really hope won’t be overlooked this year. After the screening, Mark Duplass had this to say, “We didn’t know people would hold such interest in the problems of the middle class until we made a film about it”. The film is a comedy, but it’s also pretty true to life, and has some dramatic and heartfelt moments. Cyrus won’t leave you feeling a heavy sense of reflection, but it will leave with you with a great big smile, and concerning what this film could have given us instead, I don’t think you could ask for more.
watch the trailer for “Cyrus” by clicking here
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