1/2 New Year

1/2 New Year, directed by Tom Morash and released in 2019, is a heartwarming drama-comedy hybrid that explores the complexities of human relationships and the spirit of resilience, against the backdrop of annual festive celebrations. Starring Drew McAnany, Bo Youngblood, and Shanley Caswell, the movie focuses on a unique tradition, establishing the recurring theme of New Year’s Eve that never fails to keep the viewers intrigued.

Drew McAnany, who is not just an actor but also the screenwriter for 1/2 New Year, effortlessly immerses his character 'Pam DeLuca' into the friendship group with a well-rounded and genuine performance. His character is light-hearted, jovial, and appears to be the glue keeping the group of friends together. With his empathetic portrayal of a man eager to keep together the friends he considers as family, through their joys and sorrows, he adds an emotional layer to the story.

Bo Youngblood sports the role of Gabby, protagonist’s sister, displaying an effortless charm. Her character portrays the feat of overcoming personal hurdles while also exploring the subtleties of sibling bonding in an urban setting. Youngblood’s performance adds a refreshing mix to the friendship dynamics in the script, making her character a memorable one.

Shanley Caswell illuminates the screen with her strong portrayal of Heather, bringing an admirable depth to her character. Caswell's character shines through with some of the most powerful emotional moments in the film, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster. Her performance creates a tangible chemistry with the rest of the characters, thus beautifully capturing the essence of a modern-day family forged out of friendships.

The narrative of 1/2 New Year centres on a close-knit group of friends who make it a tradition to celebrate good times and stay together through the bad, marking their celebration on the half-New Year. However, this tradition is tested and the strength of their bond is put to the challenge as the characters go through changing dynamics and personal battles throughout the course of a year.

A rather unconventional concept, the 1/2 New Year celebration is used as a marker in the movie to portray the passage of time and the changes in friendship, love, and personal growth that come along with it. The movie explores themes of resilience, love, friendship, grief, overcoming personal trauma, and above all, the beauty of unconventional traditions.

Infused with comic timeliness, dramatic undertones, and an unwavering focus on human emotions, the narrative never stops engaging the audience, offering a balanced mix of fun, drama, and emotional depth. The screenplay is skillfully crafted to portray the tussle between individual struggles and the warmth of deep-rooted friendships.

All the characters reflect different spectrums of the human persona and when placed together in their shared living space, they undergo a roller coaster of emotions, from overwhelming joy to debilitating grief, from heated arguments to comforting shoulder to lean on, authenticating the essence of life's unpredictability.

The director, Tom Morash, excellently captures the essence of a modern-day melting pot of unorthodox traditions, bittersweet banter, and heartfelt emotional moments. His unique approach to storytelling is evident in the selection of characters and the situational storytelling through humorous and tear-jerking moments in the script.

Aiding to the narrative and performances is the technical craftsmanship. The cinematography beautifully captures the urban setting and festive spirit, while the contemporary soundtrack brings the story to life. The editing ensures a seamless blend of the dramatic and comedic aspects of the movie but also imparts it with an engaging pacing, making it an enjoyable watch.

In essence, 1/2 New Year is an appealing film that pieces together the puzzle of friendship, love, grief, and personal growth, showcasing the power of togetherness and the tenacity of the human spirit. It's a tale of reality, presented through the lens of warmth, resilience, and abundance of joy, even in the face of trials and tribulations. A must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good blend of drama, humor, and human emotions.