by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What makes a great love story? Is it courting and dating? Is it the tension that builds between the characters until it finally blows off and they get together? Or is it watching two people slowly coming together and building a connection? Love stories come in all shapes, with all types of people. They can be told in so many ways. Romance films can be combined with every genre imaginable. No matter the stakes or the direction of the narrative, romance can always take center stage (or at least Hollywood would like you to think so).
With so many differences between romance films out there, how does A Love Song stand out from the pack? On a technical level, writer-director Max Walker-Silverman crafts quite the endearing film. This 80-minute flick has a good sense and tone. Walker-Silverman and his director of photography, Alfonso Herrera Salcedo, use the camera in a dynamic way. There is a dry wit about the film, and the camera pans in a timely manner to capture some funny moments. There is some dry banter between characters as well. The camera also picks up on this beautiful western landscape that surrounds the campsite that acts as the setting. Even if you don’t get too deep into the romance, you will experience some laughs and awe-inducing moments along the way.
Outside of the technical prowess, what makes this love story so interesting compared to so many other films? First off, this is a refreshing budding romance from the perspective of older characters. These are two people who loved and lost. They now look back to their past for a romance and connection that never became real. The audience gets a front row seat to this rekindling that starts as awkward, yet genuine. We see these two people recounting moments from the past which help rebuild the romantic bridge between them. There are tender moments and experiences they share that feel so personal (including playing music together). It is hard to not pull for these two.
But it is not all fun, games, and romance. Our lead, Faye (Dale Dickey), interacts with a Native family trying to move to the burial place of their matriarch, which is right below Faye’s trailer. She meets two Black women in love… but one will not pop the question. Faye grows throughout the film and will soon have perspective to share with them about living life to the fullest and not waiting on anything. Life is too short. The way this romance plays out might not be exactly how you hope, but it drives home plenty of relatable themes and ideas when it comes to love and loss.
But what really raises the sails on this romantic drama? The two actors are right at the core of it. Dickey delivers the best performance of her career, as she exudes plenty of empathy and tact. She is a woman in need of love, but she will not falter just for a man. She is a strong and resolute presence who can also show some fragility as well. Wes Studi plays a role quite different from many of his other ones. He still delivers presence and a level of wisdom, but this is not a man of stone foundations. He is unsure of what he truly wants. He struggles to reconnect at times. Studi delivers a nuanced and vulnerable character who helps create one half of a compelling connection.
How does A Love Song stand out as the little romance film that could? There are plenty of themes and ideas that are conveyed in the film. There are some rough patches and roadblocks along the way that bring plenty of drama. There is a beautiful duo of underappreciated actors who get the opportunity to shine. This is a beautifully shot film, as well as a resonant experience worth your time.
Score: 9/10
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