Watch Stop and Go

Stop and Go (also known as Recovery) is a 2021 road trip comedy that taps into the zeitgeist of the coronavirus pandemic era with humor, heart, and a touch of the surreal challenges that people faced during this unprecedented time. Directed by Stephen Meek and written by comedians Whitney Call and Mallory Everton, who also take on the lead roles in the film, Stop and Go is an indie film that finds a perfect balance between the comedic and the touching, providing an entertaining take on a sisters' bond and their adventurous spirit in the face of global chaos.

The story centers on two sisters, Jamie (played by Whitney Call) and Blake (played by Mallory Everton), who find themselves navigating the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. An urgent family issue arises when they learn their grandmother is stuck in a nursing home that's in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak. Despite the risks and the intense social restrictions of the time, they decide to embark on a daring cross-country road trip to rescue their beloved grandmother.

What ensues is a journey filled with uproarious mishaps, bizarre encounters, and a slew of obstacles that test the sisters' relationship and resolve. Through their escapades, Jamie and Blake are confronted with the realities of the pandemic, such as encountering empty streets, closed rest areas, and people with widely varying attitudes towards the virus and health precautions. The dynamic between the sisters is at the heart of the film, with Jamie's more serious and cautious nature contrasting with Blake's free-spirited and impulsive personality, creating a classic comedy duo dynamic.

The filmmakers cleverly weave in the strange and often comical real-life elements that became synonymous with the pandemic, such as hoarding toilet paper, the world of virtual meetings, and the awkwardness of social distancing. Their journey is punctuated by creative solutions to avoid infection, including makeshift hazmat suits and extreme sanitization measures, which bring an almost slapstick comedy element to the tale.

Supporting cast members, including Julia Jolley and others, add another layer of humor and humanity to the film. Each character they meet on their journey represents a different facet of the American landscape during this time, some sympathetic, and some absurd, highlighting how the pandemic has affected everyone differently.

The cinematography captures the surreal stillness of pandemic America, with empty roads and quiet landscapes that serve as an eerie backdrop to the sisters' wild quest. The soundtrack and score complement the film's tone, adding to the tension in some scenes and the levity in others. Despite the film's indie status, the production value is high, and the directors make the most of their budget to create a polished and engaging visual experience.

At its core, Stop and Go is a story about resilience and change. The sisters must confront their own fears and insecurities while contending with a world that is rapidly shifting around them. Throughout their adventure, they explore themes of family, responsibility, and the importance of caring for others during difficult times. The film's humor never overshadows its warmth, ultimately delivering a message of hope and the power of human connection, even when physically apart.

While the film is undeniably a comedy, it doesn't shy away from the somber realities of the pandemic. There's an underlying current of the emotional toll that the situation has taken on people, as well as the moments of genuine connection that have arisen as a result. In a deft balancing act, the narrative allows for laughter amidst the uncertainty, providing viewers with a form of catharsis through its relatable characters and situational comedy.

Stop and Go stands out as a comedic yet heartfelt portrayal of a moment in history that will be remembered for generations. It's a snapshot of the early days of the pandemic, distilled through the lens of personal storytelling, and it will resonate with audiences who lived through those days. Lastly, the film reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love, all while finding opportunities to laugh despite the adversity.

Stop and Go is a 2021 comedy. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 50.