Donald Cried

Donald Cried is a 2016 indie-film directed by Kris Avedisian. The drama-comedy stars Avedisian, Jesse Wakeman, and William Billington in the lead roles. Showcasing the themes of nostalgia, friendship, and personal growth, the movie uses humor and grit to paint a vivid portrait of its lead characters.

This American independent film focuses on its main character Peter Latang (played by Jesse Wakeman). Peter is a sophisticated Wall Street banker who returns to his small home-town in Rhode Island, following the death of his grandmother. He left this town twenty years ago with the ambition of leaving behind his past and creating a new, successful life for himself in New York City. However, his sudden return dredges up buried feelings and old memories that he isn't quite ready to confront.

Peter finds himself unexpectedly stranded in his hometown without his wallet, leading him to reach out to his childhood friend, Donald (played by Kris Avedisian). Throughout the day, Peter is pestering Donald, who hasn't seen Peter in over two decades. In stark contrast to Peter's Wall Street image, Donald still sports heavy metal band shirt and long hair, his refusal to let go of the past palpable.

Donald is an eccentric, socially awkward character stuck in the past, and the film beautifully juxtaposes his personality against that of Peter's. Despite the drastic difference between them, and the uneasy dynamic that represents their shared history, there's an undeniable connection, a link to the past that neither of them can completely disregard.

An unanticipated day spent together leads to a journey through the past, visiting places that rekindle buried emotions and surfacing conflicts between their youthful selves and the adults that they have become. Avedisian's direction plumbs the depths of nostalgia and pushes the boundaries of friendships tested by time and change.

William Billington, whose acting gives more depth and colour to the film, plays a substantial supporting role.

The film explores lost friendships, the uneasy transition from youth to adulthood, and the dichotomy between the past and the present. This dark comedy-drama envelopes viewers in the intimate and raw interactions between Peter and Donald, leaving them reflected upon the awkwardness of tearing down the emotional walls built for self-preservation and overcoming the fear of confronting your past.

The brilliance of the film lies in projecting the character of Donald as a remarkable symbol of the past that has a grip on you, no matter how far you go or how long it has been. Though initially perceived as a comedic relief, Donald's character evolves into a complex entity that beautifully embodies the persistence of the past.

As a feature-length expansion of his previously released short film of the same name, Avedisian seamlessly manages to keep the movie engaging with sharp and witty dialogue interspersed with moments of profound silence. The awkward comedy is weaved into heavy emotional conversations that further highlight the struggle of coming to terms with the past. This movie is a perfect blend of a drama and a comedy that leaves viewers introspective and reflective long after the credits roll.

For the ones who appreciate indie-films, “Donald Cried” delivers a stunning, albeit different, viewing experience. The film, drenched in potent nostalgia and biting humor, offers a fresh take on friendships, past-hidden regrets and alterations demanded by adulthood.

In conclusion, "Donald Cried" is not just a movie about a man returning to his native town; it's a narrative about coming-of-age, coping with change, and reconnecting with the past. It's a heartfelt portrayal of a complex and unlikely friendship, navigating the choppy waters of change and continuity. The film's unsentimental, yet poignant, storytelling combined with the gripping performances of the cast makes it a must-watch.