Written and directed by Connor Frick, ‘Take a Right to Palma Ceia’ is a 2023 drama that stars Mason Grant, Doug Combs, Zach Smith, Katherine Sheppard and others.
The film’s premise is simple; A young man has to embark on an eye-opening journey despite concerns about a particular family member’s corrupt behaviors. Going deeper than this will only sully your experience of this beautiful, abstract film.
Take a Right to Palma Ceia’s first and foremost strong point is its direction and script; and Connor Frick manages to tackle both effectively. The script is both unconventional and quite deep; it aids its characters in developing organically as it seeks to present a viable solution to the moral dilemma that it offers. Frick then builds up the narrative even more during his direction, punching up some moments while adding more character depth. All this contributes to a film that forces you to pay attention and take notice.
Frick approaches the subject in an unconventional way; there are significant portions without any dialogue and then dialogue manages to hit you like an oncoming train. We see and follow the characters around the city as we contemplate what they must be feeling inside. While some may tire of these creative choices, I (for one) loved them. This is a unique film and such a unique experience needs to be witnessed and felt more often than not.
What I liked most about the film is its use of dramatic irony. Frick structures the film as a jigsaw puzzle but one, without a solution or an end. We are never given the full picture here and, in a way, the protagonist’s journey to make sense of the puzzle is the catharsis or conclusion that we all must take away from the film. Thus, a single viewing may not suffice here; you will have to revisit the film multiple times to reach the end, each viewing uncovering something new.
The acting by the main cast is good and everyone does a well enough job. Kaden Backhus as Jeff is great and so is Mason Grant as Jason. The cast does a terrific job with what they are given and they manage to elevate the script by infusing their characters with as much earnestness as possible.
In the visual department, Connor Frick manages to make his film stand out from the crowd as the film bursts out of its own shell. The film feels as if captured using a handheld camcorder which gives it a particularly impressive feeling. The cinematographer has done a fantastic job here ensuring that the abstract story seeps into the visuals as well. Not only does this help keep the film apart from dozens of similar films in the market, it also makes for an exciting and novel viewing. Equally impressive is the soundtrack which adds a layer of mystery to the narrative. Not only is it completely original but it is inspired by the works of British musician Aphex Twin.
So sit back, power up your Amazon Prime and bare witness to Connor Frick’s twisty, trippy magnum opus.
