As much as I complain about the vast majority of Reel 13 Indies, what I love about it is that once and a while, a film comes along that takes me by surprise and captures my heart and mind, like CRY FUNNY HAPPY or THE RAGE IN PLACID LAKE. A SIMPLE CURVE is the latest film to accomplish just that. It is a prime example of what makes Reel 13 Indies worthwhile.
Early on in the film, I realized that it was another one of those Canadian films that the folks at Reel 13 seem to love. My expectations immediately dipped greatly, given how lame the rest of the Canadian films have been so far this year (I wish I could have back the hours I spent watching WILBY WONDERFUL, A PROBLEM WITH FEAR or LONG LIFE, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY). However, slowly but surely, A Simple Curve started to creep on me. It dawned on me how charismatic all of the actors were (Michael Hogan, who plays the hippie father Jim, has a unique performance style that I wasn't sure what to make of at first, but I became accustomed to it and realized how important it is in the characterization Hogan was crafting in what wound up being an outstanding performance). Then, it occurred to me how confident and textured the cinematography was – not a trait of most of the other Canadian films (with the exception of maybe A PROBLEM WITH FEAR, which was otherwise vapid). As the film went on and solidified the relationships between the characters, I became enraptured in the story of twenty-something Caleb, a notably strong protagonist, because while he is frequently emotionally lost, he also clearly has a good head on his shoulders and a solid moral compass (though he sometimes ignores it). This makes him very appealing as a character, which is aided by the subtle choices by actor Kris Lemche, channeling a younger Christian Slater, with slightly less edge and significantly more charm.
A SIMPLE CURVE is hardly groundbreaking. Both the narrative and style are very familiar, variations on a tried and true story and formula. However, as usual, it's the execution that makes all the difference. Director Aubrey Nealon handles moments of melodrama with an astonishing amount of honesty, clarity and maturity. Occasionally, she will even surprise us with a scene of absolute beauty and power (Caleb and Lee kissing on a bench outside a party, Caleb explains his family situation to Buck and Ericka while they work on the septic tank). These scenes add up to make for a totally enriching and satisfying movie experience. This was accentuated by the fact that A SIMPLE CURVE was a something of a discovery because after all, isn't it those films that take us by surprise that are the most gratifying of all?