Nobody Walks

Nobody Walks, released in 2012, is an indie film brought to life by co-writers Lena Dunham, of Girls fame, and Ry Russo-Young, who also directed the movie. The film stars John Krasinski (most recognized from The Office), the promising young actress Olivia Thirlby, and the seasoned actress Rosemarie DeWitt. A multi-layered narrative, Nobody Walks takes a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships, telling a story that unveils slowly, yet holds you in its grip.

Set in the bustling yet unassuming cityscape of Los Angeles, Nobody Walks begins when a twenty-something New York artist, Martine (played by Olivia Thirlby), comes to stay with a progressive and sophisticated LA family. Martine is an experimental filmmaker who ventures to the West Coast to finish an art film. Her stay is arranged by a mutual friend, and the warm-hearted host family includes Julie (Rosemarie DeWitt), a therapist and the matriarch, and her husband Peter (John Krasinski), who's a sound designer. The family unit also includes the couple’s teenage daughter from Julie’s previous marriage, and their young son.

What begins as a hospitable arrangement soon grows into a tangled web of emotions, desire, and conflicts. The magnetic Martine acts as a catalyst, causing undercurrents to surface and shake up the seemingly peaceful household dynamics. Krasinski provides an impressive performance as Peter, portraying a character enticed by the fresh and youthful energy and creativity of Martine. DeWitt, with her mettle as an actress, takes on the role of a wife and mother who starts to question her world in ways she hadn't before Martine's arrival. Thirlby impresses as the free-spirited Martine, demonstrating a delicate understanding of her complex character.

Lena Dunham's characteristic wit and sharp dialogue are scaled back in Nobody Walks, offering subtler storytelling that favors intense looks and enticing silences over explicit exposition. Co-writer and director Ry Russo-Young elicits genuine performances from the ensemble of actors, leading to an exploration of familial dysfunctions, personal insecurities, professional jealousies, and latent desires - all hidden beneath a veneer of affable LA interaction.

The technical aspects of the film also play out beautifully. The cinematography, though understated, captures the inherent beauty of the LA suburban landscape and the depth of the characters with sensitivity. It also beautifully dovetails with the sound design, an important motif in the film. In fact, the sound project that brings Martine and Peter together initially functions as a distinctive narrative tool that is both symbolic and atmospheric. It's a testament to the nuance and detail that Russo-Young has put into this production.

As a drama-packed exploration of relationships, Nobody Walks considers the consequences of desire, the vulnerability of marriage, and the confusion that adolescence often bestows. Dunham and Russo-Young use Martine's outsider role to take a disquieting look into the notion of happy families, carefully peeling back layers to reveal what lies beneath surface-level tranquility. While the story might center around Martine, each character in Nobody Walks is given their narrative and emotional space, generating a collective resonance that is both profound and moving.

This film prods without preaching, asking questions about relationships, loyalty, and the resilience of familial bonds against disruptive forces. It lies in a realm between black and white, dangling real-life ambiguities in front of viewers and inviting them to think rather than passing judgment or providing straightforward answers.

Nobody Walks is, by no means, a simplistic film. The vibrant visuals and rhythmic sounds enhance a narrative rich with engaging performances and a suitably disquieting atmosphere. The film offers an intense psychological exploration that lays bare the vulnerabilities and desires protected by the deceivingly placid surface of family life. For organically imperfect storytelling and subtle performances from the cast, Nobody Walks presents movie lovers with a reflective cinema experience that will stay with them long after the credits roll.