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That well-worn independent vibe is flowing all throughout director Dia Taylor’s Marital Problems. From the opening seconds when a fist knocks upon a “Do Not Knock” sticker, viewers know that, without a doubt, they are in for an endlessly charming ride through hangovers and heartaches. Truthfully, the film doesn’t disappoint in either department either as it deals with some pretty unexpected ideas throughout its running time.
Written by Julian Barbor and full of some pretty crazy characters, Marital Problems opens as Ian (Callum Gault) wakes up with a pounding in his head and on his door. He’s getting evicted. Time to pay what’s owed, you know? This is when Clarke (Nick Capper) arrives and he, with little introduction, manages to steal the heartbreak away from the sad sack that is Ian. He seems to know everyone and, in spite of the spade that Ian is waving at him and at a handyman named McManus (Neil Goldsmith), doesn’t let the small stuff bother him.
As McManus and Clarke get reacquainted, they team up and start trying to shake down Ian about his current state of disarray. What has led to his heartbreak? What follows is a coming-of-age story about forgiveness and trying not to let the past ruin you. This comedy from Australia delivers an emotional and an engaging narrative that deals with sorrow, forgiveness, and self-doubt stemming from the loss of Ian’s sweetheart, Emily, as well as other things, like a job and some sense of respect.
Artistically filmed in a single location for a large part of the movie, Marital Problems’ dramedic aspect will certainly draw crowds as its characters are outright lovable and oafish at the same time. The film’s unexpected twist - that many won’t see coming - will make sure that audiences return to see about picking up some clues among the garden shed and the freshly mowed lawns in Ian’s neighborhood.
Marital Problems is a film which, thanks to its Best Comedy and Best Screenplay wins at the 2017 Melbourne Underground Film Festival, is due for a larger audience. The actors are engaging, the characters are left of center, and the script is often far smarter than it has any right being. All of which means that this film is going to be a great find for audiences worldwide who can relate to its earnest approach to filmmaking AND narrative structure.
Marital Problems is now streaming thanks to Reel Merit Films.
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[tab title="Film Details"]
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 98 mins
Director: Dia Taylor
Writer: Julian Barbor
Cast: Nick Capper, Callum Gault, Aleis Duffy
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Tagline: Let your past make you better not bitter.
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Distributor: Reel Merit Films
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Synopsis:On the eve of his eviction, Ian's home becomes invaded by Clarke, an unscrupulous gardener who recounts the events of his failed marriage in an attempt to bring closure to Ian's prior engagement that failed to go the distance.
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