Watch The Greeter

The Greeter is an independent drama film that was released in 2015. Directed by Eiler Larsen and featuring Michael Minutoli in the lead role, the movie tells the story of an aging former boxer who tries to reconnect with his estranged son while working as a greeter at a local grocery store. The film opens with a close-up shot of the protagonist, Eddie "The Torch" Volkow, standing at the entrance of the supermarket where he works. Dressed in a blue vest and a name tag, Eddie greets the customers with a wooden expression on his face, barely making eye contact with them. We soon learn that Eddie used to be a professional boxer, but his career was cut short due to an injury that left him with a permanent limp.

As the story unfolds, we see Eddie struggling to adapt to his new life as a store greeter. He is bitter and resentful towards the customers who seem to look down on him, treating him as a lowly service worker. However, he finds solace in his routine, meticulously cleaning the store and following the strict rules that his supervisor lays down.

Eddie's mundane existence is interrupted when his estranged son, Johnny, shows up at his doorstep after years of absence. Johnny is a troubled young man who has been in and out of jail for petty crimes. He is initially hostile towards his father, blaming him for his own failures in life. However, the two gradually begin to bond over their shared love of boxing, and Eddie sees an opportunity to reconnect with his son by training him for a local tournament.

Throughout the movie, we see Eddie struggling with his own demons. He is haunted by the memory of his past failures, both as a boxer and as a father. He is plagued by physical pain and the fear of being forgotten by the world. We also see the strained relationship between Eddie and his supervisor, who is constantly on his case for small infractions and seems to enjoy belittling him in front of the other employees.

The performances in The Greeter are uniformly strong. Michael Minutoli, who also wrote the screenplay, gives a nuanced and deeply felt portrayal of Eddie. He conveys a sense of weariness and resignation that is heartbreaking to watch. Eiler Larsen, who plays Johnny, is equally impressive, bringing a sense of vulnerability and rough-hewn charm to the role.

The film has a gritty, realist aesthetic that suits the subject matter well. The focus is on the characters and their interactions, with minimal soundtrack and a muted color palette. The boxing scenes are shot with a documentary-style verisimilitude, showing the raw physicality of the sport without any stylization.

In conclusion, The Greeter is a moving and thought-provoking drama that explores the themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the human need for connection. While it may not be a flashy or genre-defying film, it is a quiet gem that deserves more attention than it has received.

The Greeter is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.