Comfortably awkward

Can a film be comfortably awkward? The Intervention, written and directed by Clea DuVall, is a sincere, patient and fairly non-intrusive ensemble dramedy, yet one that’s equally laid-back and uneasy. That’s rather intentional, though. Inspired by both The Big Chill and Husbands and Wives, it’s a simple-but-direct directorial debut, one that invites a familiar-but-inviting vibe that lets the characters breathe, the dialogue flow freely and the environment settle, while never letting itself become listless, indulgent or, worse of all, preachy in doing so. It’s an enjoyable, assured film, relaxed and easygoing in its demeanor, but never letting its confidently-settled character piece sink too deep in the couch. DuVall makes a warm, never preoccupied and rather appealing charmer, if one that isn’t afraid to let the exchanges get ugly or let drama get heated — if, thankfully, never quite melodramatic. It’s not quite polished, and it not necessarily exceptional either. But it’s commendably likable, honest and human indie, and therefore worth the sit: http://www.cutprintfilm.com/reviews/the-intervention/