Landline (2017)

While this film takes place in mid-1990’s USA, the story that unfolds could happen anytime, anywhere and in any family. Landline is a comedy-drama where a family of two parents in a stale marriage, who have lost the ability to properly communicate with one another, and their two daughters, are all facing their own issues.

While the film can be enjoyed by anyone, its setting will be somewhat more appealing to people who can remember the Nineties, including the Mad About You craze, big hair-dos, listening stations at record stores, well… record stores, Hilary Clinton serving as a role model for women and of course, landline phones and the non-existence of mobile phones in almost every person’s hand… or ear. It was a different world in which people were not reachable at any time or place and needed to find a payphone or get to a landline when in crisis.

Director Gillian Robespierre’s follow-up to Obvious Child is a sensitive, funny, sometimes heart-wrenching and most of all, relatable film that viewers should enjoy. Robespierre here re-unites with her Obvious Child lead actress, Jenny Slate (Digging for Fire, Joshy, The Polka King, Gifted, Aardvark, TV’s House of Lies, Parks and Recreation, Kroll Show) and this tandem proves fruitful yet again.

The film also includes performances by veterans Edie Falco (The Comedian, Megan Leavey, Outside In, TV’s The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie, Horace and Pete) and John Turturro (Do the Right Thing, Miller’s Crossing, Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou?, TV’s The Night Of) as the parents, as well as relative newcomer Abby Quinn, along with Jay Duplass (Outside In, The Philosophy of Phil, TV’s Transparent, The Mindy Project) and Finn Wittrock (Noah, Unbroken, TV’s All My Children, Masters of Sex, American Horror Story).

There is something about the chemistry between the characters that simply adds authenticity and charm to the film. Slate’s portrayal of Dana can at times be both likeable and somewhat unlikeable, yet she is somehow always believable. Falco and Turturro are, as always, on top of their game and Quinn shows a lot of promise as the rebellious teen. Duplass here, demonstrates yet again that he is a very capable actor that can now be challenged with bigger roles. Robespierre seems to orchestrate the whole affair like a symphony conductor with a delicate touch that works to great effect.

Overall, relatable and highly enjoyable. 7.5/10.