Chronically Metropolitan

Chronically Metropolitan is a 2016 romantic dramedy film directed by Xavier Manrique, based on a screenplay written by Nicholas Schutt. It stars Shiloh Fernandez, Chris Noth, and Victor Cruz in leading roles.

The movie takes place in the bustling city of New York, following the story of Fenton Dillane (Shiloh Fernandez), a young and talented novelist who is struggling to find his footing in life. Fenton has been away from his hometown of New York City for some time, living in self-imposed exile after a series of bad decisions that he made in his past.

However, after learning that his father (Chris Noth) had been diagnosed with cancer, Fenton decides to return to his hometown after years of being away. Once back in New York, Fenton is forced to confront the people and situations that he left behind. He struggles to reconcile with his mother (Mary-Louise Parker), who now lives with her new husband and his daughter Sydney (Ashley Benson). Fenton's relationships with his ex-girlfriend Jessie (Addison Timlin) and his best friend John (Josh Peck) are also difficult to navigate.

Despite the emotional turmoil that Fenton is going through, he is determined to rekindle his lost romance with Jessie. Along the way, he seeks inspiration from his mentor (Chris Noth) and finds support from his editor (Victor Cruz) as he tries to complete his latest novel, inspired by his experiences in New York.

Throughout the movie, the city of New York serves as a central character. The film offers a realistic and honest portrayal of life in the city, with its diverse neighborhoods and lively personalities. The cinematography captures the energy and vibrancy of the city, as well as the quieter, more introspective moments in Fenton's life.

The performances in Chronically Metropolitan are strong, especially from Shiloh Fernandez, who delivers a nuanced and layered portrayal of Fenton. Chris Noth also shines as Fenton's father, lending a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the narrative. Addison Timlin and Josh Peck are also noteworthy in their respective roles, while the always-charming Victor Cruz brings a needed lightness to the film as Fenton's editor.

Overall, Chronically Metropolitan is a heartfelt and poignant film that explores themes of love, responsibility, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. While the film can be a bit heavy-handed at times in terms of its messaging, it still manages to offer a captivating and rewarding viewing experience. With its well-drawn characters, stunning visuals, and excellent performances, Chronically Metropolitan is definitely worth a watch.