Sofia Smith's Nicole captivates from the opening moments of writer-director Stuart Howes's engaging and poignant debut film Tableau, a 73-minute film recently released to digital by indie distributor Indie Rights. In the film, a mother (Amy Davis) tries to win back the respect of her oldest daughter, Nicole, while harboring a secret from Nicole's youngest sister, Lou (Katie Bezilla).
Tableau nicely captures the little nuances of complex relationships and the complex things that can happen along the life journey. Nicole struggles to navigate the beginnings of a promising photography career, a new romance, and her family life during her senior year of college.
There's a refreshing lack of melodrama involved in Tableau, a sort of intuitive knowing that coming-of-age often means dealing with life's bigger events and emotions and realities. The things from which we were sheltered early on are no longer hidden from us and there's an undeniable tension in growing up, becoming independent, expanding our relationships, and learning that those we love are more human than we'd ever imagined.
Into this, Sofia Smith soars as the young woman on the cusp of adulthood yet also still possessing of innocence and a sense of wonder. Smith beautifully captures Nicole's tender, protective relationship with her sister and the chasm created with her mother when her mother's affair is revealed. While it could have easily felt extraneous, instead Nicole's blossoming relationship with Alex (Cade Gass) feels wholly immersed into the life of this story and a vital aspect of who Nicole is becoming.
Newcomer Amy Davis gives a compelling performance as Michelle, a sense of detachment radiating from her throughout giving us a sense of the household tensions and intrafamilial relationships. Katie Bezilla is quietly wonderful as Lou and her scenes with Smith are among my favorites in the film.
With his first original score, Joshua Allman impresses greatly with an emotionally honest and narratively driven score that quietly amplifies the film's universal rhythms. Lensing by Rudy Kovasckitz is warm, intimate, and richly observational. Shot in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Tableau beautifully captures the area complete with multiple familiar landmarks.
At a somewhat slight 73-minute running time, Tableau tells a meaningful story and uses its time wisely. Filled with honest emotions, moments of authentic humor, and well developed characters you can't help but care about, Tableau is an indie drama definitely worth your time and available now via your usual digital streaming options from Indie Rights.
Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
