Here’s an unexpected surprise. Writer-director Chase Joliet’s quietly searing drama Grapefruit seems to have slipped through the cracks, and it’s a shame, as it happens to be one of the year’s best films so far. Subtle and poignant, it follows a handful of broken lives; Joliet trusts his intuition and avoids embellishments, allowing the raw emotion and excellent performances to speak for themselves.
After a difficult divorce and a recent release from jail on parole, Travis (Joliet) moves back home with his mother, Evelyn (Rosanna Arquette), a recovering addict. He gets a job mopping floors and washing dishes. He attends AA meetings with mom, where he meets the vivacious Billie (Steph Barkley). Despite mom’s disapproval, Travis starts hanging out with her. His relationship with both women deepens, and as it does, complexities surface: unresolved past traumas, current misunderstandings, and possible ways to proceed into the future.
“…attends AA meetings with mom…”
The film is built on small, resonant moments, some funny, others tragic. When Travis first moves in, his mom has something resembling soft-core porn playing in the background. “Very gory,” she says, switching it off. An inadvertent walk past Travis’s ex-wife’s house leads to a heated encounter with a cop. All the moments between Travis and Billie sparkle with authenticity, unpredictability, and effortless chemistry. Cumulatively, they add up to a film of quiet power, one that gets under your skin without you even really knowing why or how.
We’ve all been through the moments the characters in this film experience. We’ve all felt the way they do. A filmmaker’s toughest job is to pull the audience in with mere glances, insinuations, and things left unsaid. Way more seasoned auteurs have failed at this task. Joliet pulls it off with aplomb.
Travis clings to the past like his wedding ring clings to his finger. Neurotic but earnest, Joliet gives this role his all. Given the multiple hats he wears (producer, writer, director, actor), it’s a commendable feat. Rosanna Arquette is funny and tender, elegant and wise, flawed and aware of her flaws. She’s absolutely radiant, reminding us that she’s one of the best in the business. Barkley steals her scenes with effortless charm and grace. “You know scientists say it only takes three seconds to make a first impression?” Billie says. “How did I do?”
What’s sad is that films like these get overshadowed by inferior fare that’s backed by larger investors. How come no one is vying for Arquette to receive a well-deserved nomination for this role? Where are all the think-pieces, the red carpet appearances, the interviews? The (just as excellent) Holdovers was a talky, “nothing happens” drama that won Paul Giamatti an Oscar. So what’s up with Grapefruit?
Grapefruit is a rare, kind film that is character-driven and seems to emerge straight from the soul. Like its namesake, it’s both nourishing and a little bitter, sweet and sour. It may take longer than three seconds, but Joliet’s feature leaves a lasting impression. It’s available on Amazon Prime now. Do yourself — and its filmmakers — a favor and watch it.
"…like its namesake, it’s both nourishing and a little bitter..."
