Person to Person

Person to Person is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed and written by Dustin Guy Defa. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Abbi Jacobson, Michael Cera, Tavi Gevinson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Buddy Duress, and Bene Coopersmith.

The film presents a collection of interwoven stories, each of them focusing on a different New York City resident dealing with personal challenges over the course of a single day. These challenges range from romantic woes, to workplace issues, to existential crises. The film takes place in a time before smartphones and social media dominated the world, emphasizing more direct forms of communication and interaction, like face-to-face conversations and phone calls.

The film's main story follows Claire (Abbi Jacobson), an ambitious journalist working on a big story, who is paired up with a veteran reporter, Phil (Michael Cera), who has a more relaxed approach to his work. Together, they investigate a possible murder and uncover a larger criminal operation at work.

Other stories in the film include that of Wendy (Tavi Gevinson), a high school student who is trying to navigate her first serious romantic relationship while also dealing with her parents' contentious divorce. There is also Riley (Bene Coopersmith), a middle-aged man who spends his days searching for rare vinyl records and his nights working as a security guard, struggling to find meaning in his life.

Throughout the film, the characters' stories intersect and overlap, highlighting the complex ways in which people's lives are intertwined in a bustling city like New York. The film touches on issues such as love, loss, loneliness, the state of the media, and personal identity, and does so with a mix of humor, poignancy, and subtle social commentary.

The performances in the movie are a standout feature, with Jacobson delivering a particularly strong performance as the driven journalist Claire. Cera also brings his trademark off-kilter charm to the role of Phil, who is at times frustrating but ultimately endearing. Newcomer Bene Coopersmith is also impressive as the record-collecting security guard Riley, bringing a quiet vulnerability to the role.

The film's cinematography is another notable feature, with director Dustin Guy Defa's keen eye for detail capturing the beauty and chaos of New York City. The film makes use of long takes and close-ups to create an intimate portrait of the characters and their surroundings.

Overall, Person to Person is a charming and thoughtful film that offers a fresh take on the interconnected world we live in. The film's humor, music, and cinematography work together to create a unique and engaging world that is both familiar and surprising. While it may not be a blockbuster hit, Person to Person is a gem of a film that should not be missed.