Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Departures is a drama about two men in an unhealthy relationship.
The film is narrated by Benji (Lloyd Eyre-Morgan) and opens with the end of his relationship with Jake (David Tag). Benji goes on to explain how this led to an alcohol fueled downward spiral of meaningless sex and self-depravation. After that, the story goes back eighteen months to when he met Jake on a plane heading to Amsterdam. What follows is a confessional of Benji’s romantic choices and how he found himself in an emotionally toxic relationship with Jake.
Some Thoughts:
Departures delves into the darker side of romantic entanglements with a sense of humor that’s easy to digest. Directors Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan take an artistic approach to storytelling, using a non-linear plot with interesting visuals to set mood and tone. There’s also quite a bit of humor to soften the harsh aspects of Benji and Jake’s relationship.
Tag and Eyre-Morgan have the chemistry and acting chops to make their situation believable. The surrounding cast also work, especially Lorraine Stanley, who plays Benji’s mother, Janet. Much of Benji’s personality is built on being raised by a woman who made questionable life choices, so I wish she’d had one or two more scenes to round out her character.
If you enjoy a good artsy film, Departures will deliver. It’s visually appealing, well-acted and will hold your attention.
The Final Verdict:
Departures is an excellent art house film dealing with love and identity that anybody should be able to relate to.