Summary
- Grapefruit is a thought-provoking meditation on failed relationships and the complexities of family dynamics.
- The performances by Steph Barkley and Rosanna Arquette steal the show in this indie film.
- Clever dialogue and little symbols go a long way in this lo-fi dramedy.
What’s the most beautiful word in the English language? Travis, played by Chase Joliet, in his new film Grapefruit, will tell you it’s a four-letter word that starts with the letter “F.” Maybe he has a point. “You can use it as a noun, an adverb,” he tells his mom Evelyn (Rosanna Arquette), and the list of reasons goes on. And on that note, the list of reasons why Grapefruit is such a triumph goes on, in addition to this powerful little mother-son moment that sheds light on troubled families everywhere. Though this is no typical family drama film, and you’ll find yourself wanting more by the end.
Families Are Messy
Grapefruit
Cast Rosanna Arquette, Bobby Soto, Alexandra Barreto
Rating R
Runtime 86 min
Main Genre Drama
Like lots of impactful dramas out there, Grapefruit starts with a tragedy, though we’re not totally sure what kind exactly. Police sirens, a man running from the scene, slow-motion picture editing. Then we see that same man, Travis, in a sort of prison group meeting where he’s reading a poem that is indeed thoughtful but, of course, punctuated with a pair of F-bombs as he makes a statement about love, life and more. It must be his latest meeting because soon, he’s out of prison and taking a bus back to his mom’s house in the suburbs. As he makes the trek, he tries in vain to remove his wedding ring to the point where his finger starts bleeding. It’s the dialogue-free moments like these that make Grapefruit a thought-provoking meditation on failed relationships and more.
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Enter Evelyn, played to perfection by veteran character actress Rosanna Arquette. The expression “handful” doesn’t exactly do it justice when explaining Evelyn’s persona, but her grown-up son Travis seems to be able to navigate the terrain as she lashes out about little annoyances at any moment. Not only that, Travis also attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with his mom in recovery — and even makes a friend there along the way.
Meet Billie, played by Joliet’s real-life wife Steph Barkley. They hit it off outside the meeting, and it helps that they look about the same age. But watchdog-mom Evelyn warns against the “bad news” that is Billie once she sees the companionship budding. Haven’t we all been there: a parent casually warning us about a particular significant other we’re pursuing? It’s never fun, and Travis tries his best to set boundaries with his mom as he reenters society post-prison time, while checking in with his parole officer now and then, of course…
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The Women Steal the Show
Travis gets a job washing dishes and even takes a lunch date with Billie, a phenomenal diner scene that involves Billie pranking Travis by pretending to walk out on him in the middle of their meal (something that was also delightful in 2009’s Paper Heart). She then encourages Travis to try it himself, a dry humor-type moment that indie lovers everywhere will simply eat up. Joliet is the writer-director of Grapefruit, and his confidence both behind and in front of the camera shows.
As the Billie-Travis rapport develops to love-interest status, Travis takes her to a neighbor’s backyard one night, encouraging her to just sit there as they peek in through the house’s glass windows at a happy family enjoying their time together. Travis wonders what that’s like — don’t we all? Maybe not everyone, but anyone who has ever visited friends growing up and found themselves jealous of this other family’s dynamic will relate to Grapefruit’s centerpiece moment, too.
Big Kitchen Films
Barkley and Arquette’s performances steal the show when analyzing the film at large, though arguably the most memorable moment doesn’t even feature the two. It’s when Travis’ brother Jake (Johnno Wilson) comes to town and organizes a little friends’ gathering at the house and wants Travis to meet a newly single gal named Pamela (Ashley Rae Spillers). And the name “Pamela” is significant here because it sparks a diplomatic argument between brothers Travis and Jake in the middle of the party. Jake insists Travis call her “Pam” for short, but Travis won’t back down and instead wants to call Pamela by her full first name. It’s a telling moment of a brother trying to force love onto his baby bro — if Travis calls her by a more casual nickname, doesn’t that mean they’re one step closer to nuptials? Doubt it. The wise Travis knows what his brother is trying to do and just isn’t having it.
And lastly, why the title “Grapefruit?” You’ll just have to see, but it’s tied to yet another thoughtful conversation between Travis and Billie — about citrus fruits, of all things. We won’t spoil it here, but you’ll come to find “Grapefruit” is a perfect title for this new feature. Keep Joliet’s name in the back of your mind, as he has a bright cinematic future, but for now, Grapefruit is seeking distribution. Please check back here for further updates.
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