Born Guilty

Born Guilty is a captivating comedy-drama directed by Max Heller and premiered in 2017. The plot centers on the intriguing dynamics of relationships, both romantic and familial. The film stars Jay Devore, David Coussins, as well as a notable performance from award-winning actress Rosanna Arquette. The movie is a realistic representation of modern metropolitan life, offering a fresh perspective on love, loneliness, and the intricacies of human connections.

The film revolves around the protagonist, Marty Weissman, impressively portrayed by Jay Devore. Marty is a work-obsessed New Yorker working in the cut-throat world of advertising. He is so hard-driven by his career that he neglects other areas of his life, including his social life and his mother, Judith. Rosanna Arquette plays the maternal role with remarkable expertise and finesse. Life circumstances have left her single, lonely, anxious, and she relies heavily on her son. The relationship between the duo forms the baseline of the story.

David Coussins shines in his role as professional Suitor. He is an individual who provides relief to affluent people who are burdened with their elderly parents' responsibility. The interesting part is when Marty, who is swamped with work and guilt unlikely to his independent nature, decides to hire David's character to accompany and entertain his mother. The professional Suitor exudes the right amount of charm, wit, and empathy. He's the perfect distraction for Judith and slowly works his way into becoming an integral part of her life.

The characters in Born Guilty are beautifully flawed, making them more relatable to the audience. The movie portrays Marty as a successful professional but showcases his tormented guilt over neglecting his mother. Judith, an endearing character, is presented with a mixture of vulnerability and unabashed honesty. Despite managing to live independently, she grapples with loneliness and the pain of an empty nest. On the other hand, the Suitor, despite being an enigmatic character with mysterious personal tales, displays authentic compassion and kindness for the elderly.

Rosanna Arquette brings a raw and emotional layer to her character. She beautifully explores the world of a lonely woman who develops an unsettling dependency on her son. At the same time, she manages to make the audience empathize with her character despite her obvious imperfections. She renders a relatable portrayal of an aging, single woman grappling with her failed expectations, romantic and otherwise.

The film skillfully combines elements of drama, comedy, and romance. It gives the viewers a light-hearted but honest commentary on how society views and treats the elderly. The narrative subtly highlights the pressures encountered by individuals who take care of elderly parents while juggling their own lives.

Born Guilty can be described as an exploration into guilt, responsibility, and the lengths to which an individual will go to ensure the well-being of those they love. The storyline encourages self-discovery, underscored by the premise that one cannot delegate love or compassion. The movie also highlights the idea of companionship and finding happiness in unexpected places. The emotional bends of the story are also effectively balanced with dashes of humor, making it a heartwarming watch.

The characters in the film are brought to life by skilled performances from an adept cast. The cinematography succeeds in capturing the essence of New York life, and the director masterfully handles the narrative's various storyline aspects. The pacing and the screenplay provide a balanced mixture of dramatic intensity and joyful respite.

In conclusion, Born Guilty is a movie that keeps viewers attached by its realistic characters, relatable themes, and impactful storyline. The unique premise, the dynamic performances by the cast, the engaging narrative, and a combination of comedy, drama, and romance, make it an interesting watch. It is a testament to the complexity of family ties, the bonds of love, and the responsibility that comes with them. This movie invites viewers on an emotional journey that will prompt them to question, introspect, and deeply understand the dynamics of their familial relationships and the pervasive guilt that often accompanies them.