SXSW Review: Apart

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Any film that gives away a critical plot device before the first scene starts is clearly ambitious. Aaron Rottinghaus' feature film debut Apart is just that, an intricately layered romantic thriller about a young man haunted by the past he cannot remember.

Inspired by a rare psychological disorder (folie à deux or ICD-10, F.24) that occurs when two people share delusions where the only known cure is separation, Apart reveals itself slowly as Noah Green (Josh Danziger) is recovering from an unrevealed trauma.  As Noah recovers, it's clear he's not aware of all that transpired before he ended up in the hospital. 

Flashbacks depict a strong bond with childhood friend and would-be sweetheart Emily (Olesya Rulin), now absent from his life.  Apart doesn’t so much play fast and loose with chronology, as it deliberately teases at what could have been and can never be, making it all the more poignant.  More importantly Rottinghaus’ script (based on a story by Rottinghaus and Danziger) underscores the ‘why’ while teasing out details, mimicking Noah’s quest to reconcile with his past and his childhood companion.  With the ultimate reason known before the first shot, Apart isn’t focused on a flashy reveal, and instead puts it where it belongs, in a very human story.

From the very first scene, every moment in the film is calculated, drawing in the audience into the mystery.  Rottinghaus’ layered script is enhanced by a clearly critical eye and an equally critical ear.  Every shot is deliberate, and the sound design supports each scene.  Unsurprisingly, the soundtrack helps pull the audience along without being blatantly obvious. 

Both Danziger and Rulin play characters before and after an undefined event, and both are up to the task. Rulin in particular is impressive as she is clearly haunted in some capacity ‘after’ while appearing carefree ‘before.’  Best known for lighter roles (Greek, High School Musical), Rulin is mesmerizing on screen, particularly as Emily ‘after.’  Danziger does not have equally extensive credits to his name, which belies his presence on screen.  With their strong chemistry, Rulin and Danziger play off each other well, and share one of the most romantic moments on screen in recent memory.  While Danziger created the story with Rottinghaus, he had to work for the part, but what ends up on screen proves he deserved the role. 

The supporting cast is equally strong, and includes small but important roles by Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy), Bruce McGill (Rizzoli & Isles) and Michael Bowen (Lost), all of which are established actors.  The surprise in the cast is Sue Rock as Emily’s mother.  While she doesn’t have a lot of screen time, and even less dialogue, Rock manages to convey profoundly moving emotions that keeps both the tension and the sympathy with the Emily and Noah.  Rock has over ten years of credits listed on IMDB, yet she’s virtually unknown to general audiences; hopefully her role in Apart will help her land more prominent roles in the future. 

Comparisons to Memento are inevitable, but Apart’s focus is on the relationship between Noah and Emily.  And like Memento, Apart is not a general audience film; the audience has to accept the non-linear structure of the film and trust Rottinghaus to deliver, which he does. Arguably the only time the film stumbles is very briefly during the reveal in act three.  ‘Arguably’ is the appropriate term, because Apart is the type of film discerning cineastes will discuss (and argue about) after every viewing.  Ultimately Apart is a taut, touching thriller that establishes Rottinghaus as a filmmaker to watch.

Austin/TX Connections:  Apart was shot in Richmond and Rosenburg, Texas.  Josh Danziger is a Texas native, and attended UT Austin.  Lastly, actors Bruce McGill and Michael Bowen are Texas natives.

SXSW Screenings:  Apart has an encore screening on Thursday at noon at the Paramount theater. Guests will be in attendance. Also be aware that the Jessica Lea Mayfield cover of the Brian Jonestown Massacre song "(David Bowie I love You) Since I was Six" which is featured in a pivotal scene is available on iTunes as a single. Mayfield also performed earlier this week at SXSW music conference.