Finn Wittrock Shines in a Dismal Character Study: A Review of Westhampton
Finn Wittrock is the standout star of Christian Nilsson’s latest offering, Westhampton, a character study that aims to delve into the complexities of remorse and redemption but ultimately falls short. Wittrock’s compelling performance might just be the sole reason to engage with this otherwise lackluster film.
The Plot: Homecoming and Regret
Wittrock steps into the shoes of Tom Bell, a filmmaker returning to his Long Island roots to premiere a movie steeped in his past—one that tragically involves a car accident that devastated his community. Upon his return, Tom confronts a painful tapestry of grief and lingering animosities among Westhampton’s residents.
The movie opens with a black-and-white screening that unsettles Tom, mirroring his troubled youth in an eerily familiar way. Fleeing the event, he decides to remain in town—not only to gather family belongings but also to reconnect with old friends, some of whom aren’t thrilled to see him. The brother of the young woman affected by the accident, now a police officer, strongly advises him to leave, while others in the community are intrigued by his newfound celebrity.
Supporting Cast: Talent Diversified but Underutilized
Joining Wittrock is a host of capable actors including R.J. Mitte, widely recognized for his role in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad. As Tom’s old friend, Mitte effectively adds nuance to a character that experiences the weight of complicated histories. Other talented performers like Jake Weary and Amy Forsyth also shine, further solidifying the film’s emotional landscape with their solid portrayals. A special nod goes to Tovah Feldshuh, who delivers a captivating performance, leaving a notable impression despite her limited screen time.
Cinematography: Visual Poetry Amidst the Mediocrity
One of the film’s redeeming qualities is its breathtaking cinematography, helmed by Dave Brick. He magnificently captures the windswept beaches and quaint yet decaying neighborhoods, creating a visual poetry that juxtaposes the emotional turmoil within the narrative.
A Script That Falls Flat
Despite the film’s promising elements, the script falters. While the resentments harbored by Tom’s former acquaintances feel authentic, they often skim the surface, lacking the depth one might expect from such heavy subject matter. A twist ending that reveals the truth behind Tom’s haunting accident fails to elicit the intended shock, leaving audiences wanting more. The surreal closing scene comes across as pretentious rather than thought-provoking, and the repetitive cuts to Tom’s black-and-white film grow tiresome rather than enriching.
Final Thoughts: An Underwhelming Experience
While Westhampton may score some points thanks to compelling performances, particularly from Wittrock, it seems unlikely to enjoy prolonged theater success. The film lacks the depth and impactful storytelling necessary to warrant a lasting impression. One can only hope that Wittrock will soon take on a more challenging role that truly showcases his undeniable talent.
The Bottom Line
Actors score, but the script sags. A promising premise marred by superficial writing renders Westhampton a forgettable entry in the character study genre.
Venue: Tribeca Film Festival (Spotlight Narrative)
Cast: Finn Wittrock, R.J. Mitte, Jake Weary, Amy Forsyth, Joy Suprano, Dan Lauria, Roxanne Schiebergen, Tovah Feldshuh
Director-Screenwriter: Christian Nilsson
Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes
For those seeking a deeper analysis of character-driven cinema, you may find insights on sites like FilmSchoolRejects and IndieWire.
