by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Why are familial dramas made so often? They are certainly one of the most universal experiences that humans can share. Not everyone has a family, but most do, and their experiences can be so varied, which allows for so many types of stories to be told. The nuclear family is not the norm anymore with so many different mixed families and intergenerational households out there. Even fewer of these families are perfect, as tension and conflict are many times the norm. There is just so much to draw upon, making families a fruitful subject matter for drama.
How does young filmmaker Ricky D’Ambrose take yet another family story and offer up a unique cinematic perspective? His film The Cathedral is not exactly what you expect. For a film getting awards attention for its editing, you would expect something unique. D’Ambrose commonly utilizes still framed shots throughout this film, which shakes up the visual experience. What is most impressive is the amount of feeling and emotion that can be gleaned from a single frame that flows so perfectly between full clips. The way they are framed is evocative and poignant in how it is presented. Not only that, but the film is anchored with consistent narration throughout, which adds layers and personality to the experience. This feels like a Mike Mills film in the best way.
What is the story that D’Ambrose draws upon in his story? There are quite a few familial experiences that are featured in this film. One of the most impactful would have to be how a fracturing marriage is handled. There are scenes of the father lashing out against his in-laws due to their bias and treatment of him. Where does this aggression go? Back to the wife. These are quite common experiences, and something that the audience can relate to, for better or for worse. But it is not all bad. We experience the nice moments as well, as a father spends time with his child and tries to make the most of their earlier years. We all hope that we can experience such love and tenderness in our formative years, and it feels so impactful in the film.
Does the cast elevate this familiar material and channel this story through their performances? At the core, Brian d’Arcy James anchors the film with his impressive performance. James does not get enough credit for his big screen work, but he has received quite the appreciation on the stage (this is the man who brought Shrek alive in a musical). His performance as the patriarch of this family is moving and so humanistic. The genuine approach he brings makes it so much easier to connect and understand his actions. His on-screen pair is Monica Barbaro, who delivers just the same. Throw in a few veteran performers like Geraldine Singer, and you have yourself and a naturalistic ensemble who feel perfect for this film.
Is The Cathedral the family drama of the awards season? There are much more high-profile affairs going on in the cinema, like The Fabelmans, but this one sure holds its own. On a much smaller budget with a unique flair, this little film delivers a moving and impactful experience. The themes and ideas are universal and easy to connect with. If you haven’t seen this one (or haven’t heard of it), make sure to check it out.
Score: 9/10
The Cathedral is streaming on MUBI
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