Writer-director Jonathan Fox adapts his own short film of the same name to make his feature-length writing and directing debut in Boardwalk Winter. The story follows Fern (Natalie Veater), who is just coasting through life. Her job is meh, at best, and her love life is non-existent. However, she is extremely close to her best friend, Tiffany (Magali Trench), although Tiffany’s boyfriend, Eric (Cedric Gegal), is a rather pedantic bore. Additionally, Fern has an oddly sweet and idiosyncratic relationship with her almost roommate, Skip (Brian Dijols), a professional video gamer.
Unfortunately, Fern’s life is turned upside down when she receives a terminal diagnosis from Dr. Schwazer (Jefferson B. Wilkerson). Knowing she has little time left, Fern quits her job and sets out to do the thing she’s always wanted: to get married. With Tiffany’s help, she tries online dating and even chats up the workout-focused beach rats. But meeting the surf-loving Cole (Chris Maher) changes Fern’s outlook on this idea of hers. See, she’s actually falling for Cole, but does not think it is right to pull him into her literal life-ending drama. Is there a future for Fern and Cole, or are the health issues too big an obstacle to get around for the new lovebirds?
Fern (Natalie Veater) sits with surfer Cole (Chris Maher) on the beach in Boardwalk Winter.
“…[Fern] receives a terminal diagnosis…sets out to do the thing she’s always wanted: to get married.”
Despite being a part of the official synopsis for Boardwalk Winter, the whole needing/wanting to get married before it is too late is a minor point. While not an official meeting, Cole and Fern actually meet and talk before her diagnosis is 100% confirmed. The few scenes of awkward dates are amusing, sure, but in a decent Hallmark rom-com kinda way. There’s a lot of talk of how Fern, real name Guinevere, is more impulsive and assertive now. Since she and the hot surfer already have a small connection, it would hammer that point even more so if she asked him out, minus all the other dating nonsense. Grief or sadness over not being married could still be an element discussed in the journal entry voiceovers, which appear periodically and explore the lead’s inner thoughts.
With that being said, this is a most charming and sweet romantic comedy. Veater is likable and fun, yet will break one’s heart. She ably hits every emotion the story’s rollercoaster of ups and downs with ease. Maher is good-looking and shares great chemistry with his on-screen co-star. His bit about “never quite getting best friends” is fantastic. Trench’s comedic timing is perfect, making every line amusing and fun. The supporting cast is also quite strong, especially Victoria Jackson as the older neighbor of Fern, who gets a few scenes to be funny and dramatic.
Boardwalk Winter ends the only one a story like this can. But the journey is appropriately dramatic and often hilarious. Veater gives her role all she’s got, and finds new ways to play a terminally ill person, which is no easy feat. Maher is likable and hits the right tone. Trench is so funny throughout that she nearly steals the picture entirely. This is a cute and funny flick that hits the drama well when needed. But it is the cast that really shines throughout, making this an easy recommendation for fans of rom-coms or these actors.
For more information, visit the official Boardwalk Winter site.
"…the cast that really shines throughout..."
