Unicorn Store (2017)
I am going to preface this review with the disclosure that I lost my meds last week, haven't been able to refill the prescription, and am consequently watching films with my emotions rather than my logical criticism.
Unicorn Store was written by Samantha McIntyre, directed by and starring Brie Larson, and full of a great cast of stars and character actors. The story follows the young woman Kit who has been kicked out of art school for metaphorically spreading Craft Herpes (glitter). She returns to her parents' basement and takes a temp job to assuage cultural expectations, but also responds to some really daringly designed invitations to check out The Store, where she is offered her very own unicorn, if she can meet the stringent requirements.
The cast are really great, but an awe-filled mention must go to Christy McIrwin, who decorated the set, and Mirren Gordon-Crozier who designed some of the most incredible costumes. These things must be seen to be believed. This isn't some high-production Gatsby-esque eye-candy thing. It's an indy film. But it was a delight - the things that my eyes found delicious were much more earthy, and therefore more easily related to as well as loved. I'm only surprised there wasn't at least a nod to Lisa Frank, while there was clear homage to some eighties childhood staples like Care Bears and Rainbow Brite.
The conundrum of a free-thinking artist in a soul-crushing world is not resolved. There is no deus ex machina "she is true to herself, and therefore also finds financial independence and fame/success/love" moral like in 13 Going on 30 (2004). Kit merely finds happiness.
But the film contains strong themes of courage, self-expression, and the possibility of progress in many aspects of life. It is this optimism that touched me - that, and the desperate need I have of someone who knows me, loves me, and can put an arm around my shoulder and tell me I'm absolutely going to be okay.
I'm giving it an emotional five stars, which means do NOT tell me if you don't like it. You'll only damage our relationship.
Unicorn Store was written by Samantha McIntyre, directed by and starring Brie Larson, and full of a great cast of stars and character actors. The story follows the young woman Kit who has been kicked out of art school for metaphorically spreading Craft Herpes (glitter). She returns to her parents' basement and takes a temp job to assuage cultural expectations, but also responds to some really daringly designed invitations to check out The Store, where she is offered her very own unicorn, if she can meet the stringent requirements.
The cast are really great, but an awe-filled mention must go to Christy McIrwin, who decorated the set, and Mirren Gordon-Crozier who designed some of the most incredible costumes. These things must be seen to be believed. This isn't some high-production Gatsby-esque eye-candy thing. It's an indy film. But it was a delight - the things that my eyes found delicious were much more earthy, and therefore more easily related to as well as loved. I'm only surprised there wasn't at least a nod to Lisa Frank, while there was clear homage to some eighties childhood staples like Care Bears and Rainbow Brite.
The conundrum of a free-thinking artist in a soul-crushing world is not resolved. There is no deus ex machina "she is true to herself, and therefore also finds financial independence and fame/success/love" moral like in 13 Going on 30 (2004). Kit merely finds happiness.
But the film contains strong themes of courage, self-expression, and the possibility of progress in many aspects of life. It is this optimism that touched me - that, and the desperate need I have of someone who knows me, loves me, and can put an arm around my shoulder and tell me I'm absolutely going to be okay.
I'm giving it an emotional five stars, which means do NOT tell me if you don't like it. You'll only damage our relationship.
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