Watch Donald Cried

Donald Cried is a 2016 independent comedy-drama film directed by Kris Avedisian, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jesse Wakeman. The film follows the story of Peter Latang (played by Jesse Wakeman), a successful businessman in Manhattan who returns to his hometown of Warwick, Rhode Island, to settle his deceased grandmother's estate. On his arrival, he realizes that he has accidentally left his wallet on the bus and is stranded without cash or identification. He then reconnects with his old high school friend, Donald Treebeck (played by Kris Avedisian), who becomes his guide and companion for the day.

As Peter's day with Donald progresses, he begins to realize that he has nothing in common with his childhood friend and feels increasingly uncomfortable with the antics they engage in. Donald, on the other hand, is over-the-moon to have his best friend back and becomes increasingly clingy and eccentric with each passing moment. Through a series of misadventures and awkward encounters, the two friends confront their painful past, deep-seated regrets, and the fact that their lives have taken drastically different courses.

One of the most striking aspects of Donald Cried is the film's use of location to establish character and mood. The film takes place in Warwick, Rhode Island, which serves as a perfect representation of the film's overall themes of stagnation and nostalgia. The camera lingers on dilapidated buildings, empty lots, and overgrown lawns, highlighting the decay of a once-thriving community.

Another strength of the film is its performances. Both Wakeman and Avedisian give nuanced and compelling portrayals of their characters. Wakeman's Peter is initially reserved and uptight, making the transition into a more relaxed and comfortable state with ease. Avedisian's Donald, on the other hand, is a man-child, full of energy and enthusiasm with no regard for propriety or social cues. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their interactions are both hilarious and cringe-worthy.

The film's humor is derived from the tension between the two friends' personalities and the awkward situations they find themselves in. The film's humor is not slapstick, but rather situational and based on the human condition. The narrative is not driven by an overarching plot, but instead, the film focuses on small moments between the two friends as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.

The film's tone can be described as bittersweet. On one hand, there are many moments of levity and humor, particularly in the first half of the film. But as the day wears on and the two men begin to confront their past, the film takes on a more melancholy tone. The film's climax is emotionally charged but remains grounded in reality, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

In terms of style, the film is reminiscent of mumblecore, a subgenre of independent film that focuses on naturalistic dialogue and character development. The film's dialogue is largely improvised, adding to the authenticity of the interactions between the characters. The film's cinematography is unobtrusive, allowing the characters to take center stage while also adding to the mood and atmosphere of the film.

Overall, Donald Cried is a unique and refreshing entry into the comedy-drama genre. Its focus on character over plot, naturalistic dialogue, and nuanced performances make it a standout film. The film is both hilarious and heartbreaking, never sacrificing one for the other. Donald Cried is a meditation on friendship, nostalgia, and the complexities of the adult world. It is a film that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.

Donald Cried is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 72.