It Was You Charlie

Watch It Was You Charlie

  • 2014
  • 1 hr 19 min
  • 5.2  (141)

It Was You Charlie is a dark comedy-drama film from 2013, directed by Emmanuel Shirinian. This film tells the story of the titular character, Charlie, played by Michael D. Cohen, a tormented man who spends his nights wandering the streets of Toronto, alienated from the world around him. Burdened with guilt over an incident from his past, Charlie's life is forever changed when he is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Stella (Emma Fleury Harvey). As their relationship begins to blossom, Charlie's emotional stability is tested when he discovers that Stella's abusive ex-boyfriend is threatening her safety.

The film is a poignant and nuanced exploration of mental illness, trauma, and the power of human connection. At its core, It Was You Charlie is a character-driven drama that offers a unique and deeply human perspective on the struggles of everyday life. Michael D. Cohen delivers a stunning performance as Charlie, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and pathos that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His portrayal of a man grappling with the weight of his own demons is masterful, and he imbues Charlie with a rawness and authenticity that is truly captivating.

Emma Fleury Harvey is equally impressive in her role as Stella, delivering a performance that is both tender and fierce. Her chemistry with Cohen is palpable, and their relationship forms the emotional core of the film. Aaron Abrams rounds out the main cast as Mark, Stella's abusive ex-boyfriend, and while his screen time is limited, his performance is impactful and chilling.

One of the film's most notable strengths is its visual style. Emmanuel Shirinian, who also co-wrote the film, displays a deft hand for creating mood and atmosphere. The film is shot in a distinctive, moody monochrome aesthetic, evoking the feeling of a late-night walk through a city shrouded in darkness. The cinematography is consistently engaging, with inventive framing and camera angles that highlight the emotional significance of each scene. The film's editing is also noteworthy, with frenetic, visceral cuts that heighten the tension in key sequences.

The film's thematic exploration of mental illness is both sensitive and nuanced, with Charlie's struggles portrayed in a way that is both realistic and deeply empathetic. Through Charlie's experiences, the film captures the feeling of being trapped in one's own mind, unable to escape the weight of past traumas. The script also tackles the subject of social isolation, with Charlie's loneliness serving as a metaphor for the disconnection that many people feel in modern society.

Despite its heavy subject matter, It Was You Charlie is also a film that is capable of eliciting genuine laughter. The script is peppered with moments of dark humor that provide a welcome relief from the film's more somber elements. The humor is always rooted in character, never feeling forced or out of place. The result is a film that is tonally complex, with moments of levity that serve to undercut the film's more profound and emotionally charged scenes.

In summary, It Was You Charlie is a powerful and affecting film that provides a unique perspective on the human experience. Michael D. Cohen delivers a performance that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, and Emma Fleury Harvey shines as his co-star. Emmanuel Shirinian's direction and visual style are exceptional, and the film's exploration of mental illness is both sensitive and nuanced. Overall, It Was You Charlie is a must-see film that deserves to be recognized as a modern classic of independent cinema.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2014
  • Runtime
    1 hr 19 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.2  (141)