The Outside Story

The Outside Story is a captivating dramedy bringing to life the story of a man caught in extraordinary circumstances and regains his perspective on life. Released in 2020, it's cleverly written, beautifully shot, and boasts outstanding performances, notably from Brian Tyree Henry.

The narrative revolves around Charles Young, a softly-spoken, well-meaning New Yorker played by Brian Tyree Henry who's known for his roles in Atlanta and If Beale Street Could Talk. Charles is an introvert who works from home as an I.D. network video editor, providing the time-honored service of curating 'in memoriam' videos for recently deceased celebrities. This point of Charles' job reinforces some thematic touchpoints within the movie for life, death, love, and loss.

The film opens with Charles still grieving his broken relationship with Isha, portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green, widely recognized for her role on The Walking Dead and Star Trek: Discovery. Isha is a successful attorney fiercely committed to her career, leaving Charles in a state of emotional distress and leading him to explore his reclusive tendencies. His heartbreak and wallowing introspection create a narrative pivot point, pushing Charles out of his secure bubble and into a variety of unexpected incidents.

Director Casimir Nozkowski makes his debut in the feature films with The Outside Story, and it's apparent that he capitalizes on the opportunity. The story is situated in Brooklyn, which Nozkowski manages to transform into a far more intimate setting than one would imagine in such bustling surrounds – it shifts to become a quirky, comforting neighborhood filled with eclectic characters.

The supporting cast brightens up the cinematic experience with timely humor and heart. Sunita Mani, best known for her roles in Glow and Mr. Robot, plays an eccentric neighbor who forms a part of Charles' unexpected encounters. Nozkowski aims to explore a variety of archetypal characters who reside in old brownstone apartments, each with their unique set of quirks and stories. The diverse ensemble adds color to the predominantly dramedy genre of the movie, serving as both a source of comic relief and narrative progression.

The plot intensifies when Charles gets locked out of his apartment while his work deadline looms. Charles, shoeless and bereft in the outside world, has no other choice but to interact with his neighbors and other city dwellers. His comical journey is rife with mishaps that add an element of suspense and unpredictability. The misadventures help him to rediscover his neighborhood, reinvigorate his perspectives on life and love, and more than anything, confront his fear of the world beyond his laptop screen.

The Outside Story brilliantly portrays a poignant day in Charles Young's life, seamlessly interlacing the comedic elements with a serious undertone. It's an exploration of how people connect and emotionally resonate, casting a spotlight on the human elements in each interaction. Charles' journey is not just about rediscovering his surroundings, it's also about his personal growth and self-realization that would seem familiar to many viewers.

While the film carries humor on its surface, it subtly asks serious questions. The narrative intelligently navigates through issues and subjects like loneliness, death, grief, love, compassion, and public utilities, asking questions about how we relate to our shared spaces and each other.

In terms of technical aspects, The Outside Story is beautifully cinematographed with each shot carefully planned to nestle viewers into Charles' perspective of his neighborhood. The score is well suited to the tone of the movie, adding to the humorous yet poignant facets of Charles's journey.

In conclusion, The Outside Story is a complex intertwining of comedy, drama, and real-world musings. It’s an unexpected journey through a day in the life of an introverted editor of tribute videos, stepping outside his comfort zone. It’s a film that resonates with viewers in a strange and familiar way, leaving them to reflect on their connections, sorrows, and how they relate to their own 'outside'. Brian Tyree Henry infuses a subtle charm into his character while Sonequa Martin-Green and Sunita Mani provide intriguing counterpoints, making The Outside Story a must-watch for those who appreciate clever storytelling and thought-provoking themes.