Shockingly, the at-first-glance humor of hand puppets intermingling with humans quickly fades away as the characters cement themselves as realistic, likable, and engaging people. The humor, such as Danny asking Nelson about eating bananas in the shower, is all pretty funny. Nelson’s bit about how well they are doing during the trivia contest, with a score of two, is hysterical. More importantly, though, is how the humor and drama balance each other out.
Danny’s relationship with Lizzie is the through-line for a good two-thirds of Autumn Never Dies. It feels authentic, and you understand what each of them gives to the other. Danny’s therapy sessions prove an incredible insight into his thought process. But, you are also intrigued by how the choice Danny makes affects those around him. That is because all the characters are engagingly and smartly written. Even the bartender, with his “favorite glass,” comes across as more than just a scary looking dude in an eyepatch.
“…a humorous romantic drama with realistic characters and fantastic acting.”
Quick and James share an easy-going rapport, and their rapid-fire back and forth is hilarious. In the more serious moments, James imbues Danny with a melancholy attitude that feels authentic. Nicolette McKeown, who was so luminous in Convergence, is as fantastic as Lizzie. She interacts with the puppets believably and will definitely make you well up when explaining how she refuses to be anyone’s second choice. It is a great line, delivered in a manner that sells the drama in a big way.
I have a particular affinity for puppets and am glad to see filmmakers using the technique to tell all manner of stories. While there is one scene that does not go over as intended, overall, the humor and drama of Autumn Never Dies work well and in equal measure. Chris Quick has crafted a humorous romantic drama with realistic characters and fantastic acting. What more could you ask for?
"…like how each season rolls around every year unless you deal with your issues, they will come back..."
