Brown's Canyon

Brown's Canyon is a 2017 indie character drama with comedic overtones steeped in the reality of existential crisis and middle age reckoning. Directed and written by John Helde, the movie indulges subtly in philosophical contemplations and human relationships. Among the lead cast are talent powerhouses Lisa Every, Eric Jordan, and Carter Rodriquez, whose performances lend authenticity and relatability to their characters.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Brown’s Canyon in the harsh but awe-inspiring wildernesses of Utah, Helde's film generates an atmosphere of tranquility offering a stark contrast to the turmoil the characters are undergoing. The plot revolves around five friends settling into middle age, grappling with the inevitability of the passing of time and the burden of unfulfilled dreams.

Lisa Every breathes life into the character of Robin, a life coach on the brink of embracing a significant change in life. She is enthusiastic, full of optimism, yet holds onto the vestiges of her past. On the other hand, Eric Jordan portrays the character of Richard, an underappreciated indie filmmaker who strives to hold onto a collapsing personal and professional life. He is sardonic and on the verge of an identity crisis, slowly coming to terms with his personal limitations.

Carter Rodriguez, another principal character, plays the role of Omar, an out-of-work actor, who, despite all ups and downs, maintains a positive outlook on life. He persistently clings onto the dream of attaining fame and holds onto the hope of his big break in the acting industry, a perfect portrayal of unyielding optimists that most of us encounter in our lives.

One of the most appealing aspects of Brown’s Canyon is its exploration of complex human relationships and personal reinvention. Robin, Richard, and Omar, along with two other friends - Haley and Nadia, traverse into a transformative journey in the wilderness of the canyon. They are invited by Robin to her father's isolated, remote cabin with the intention of helping Richard through his crises, both personal and professional. They aim to script a story for Richard’s next big film project, which they hope will revive his career and personal life.

As the narrative unfolds, their facades begin to crumble under the weight of their own insecurities, revealing their authentic and fragile selves. The natural isolation and suffocating closeness initiates dialogues and confrontations that they had avoided for so long. They find themselves stripped of their worldly identities, drawing out their core truths in seclusion. As they are exposed to each other and themselves, the canyon becomes a metaphorical mirror reflecting their deepest fears, desires and realizations.

The film is much more than a mid-life crisis narrative. It's a profound discourse on the complexities of life, inspiration, frustration, and the quest for meaning. The humane storytelling approach along with subtle humour gives the characters a fascinating depth. These characters aren’t caricatures of a mid-life crisis, instead, they are nuanced portraits of individuals grappling with their identity, worth, and purpose.

The director takes up a nuanced approach to capture the wild beauty of the landscape, employing deliberate, unhurried pacing and stunning cinematography to imbue his audiences with the same cathartic tranquillity that his characters are experiencing. The ambient background score adds another layer of depth to the overall atmosphere, complementing the film's existential narrative.

In essence, Brown's Canyon is wonderfully adept at dealing with the emotional undercurrents that govern human behaviour and relationships. It delves deep into existentialism with a fresh perspective, delivering a peculiarly poignant cinematic experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. Helde's direction combined with the impressive performances of Lisa Every, Eric Jordan, and Carter Rodriguez create a truly mesmerising and thoughtful movie, making Brown's Canyon a captivating watch for those seeking profound, atmospheric indie dramas.