Written, directed, and produced by Tony K. Hall, Lonesome is a romance film shot in black-and-white and set in a slightly different world. Guy (Zach McLain) lives with Jim (Eric Halverson), who is dating Mary (Carolyn Lyons). One day, Guy is having a hard time focusing on work, so the trio of friends decide to head to the beach for some relaxation. There, Guy meets Roxie (Amber DeRuyter) by chance, and soon, the two walk on the sandy shores by themselves and have a great time.
Unfortunately, Guy and Roxie become separated in a crowd and cannot find each other. Back home, Guy is doing everything he can to track down Roxie. He scours social media and walks to places he knows she frequents, but all for naught. Sadly, no matter where he looks in person or online, Guy cannot find Roxie; it’s as if she vanished into thin air.
“…Guy and Roxie become separated…no matter where he looks…Guy cannot find Roxie…”
Lonesome is a light-hearted lark of a film that is clearly inspired by the silent era. The monochromatic cinematography by Jake Wollner is the biggest giveaway there. It is hardly the only one. The actors gesture broadly as if selling the action without words. When Guy pays for him and Roxie to go on a hot air balloon ride, McLain over-emphasizes forking over the bills. The edits, specifically the circle wipes and other transitional effects, are also highly reminiscent of that timeframe. Tony Doubek’s musical compositions capture the lighter-than-air feeling true romance gives to all those lucky enough to feel it.
But what really sells the saccharine syrup is the cast. McLain is easy to root for and makes for an adorably affable lead. DeRuyter is enchanting, and it is easy to understand why Guy is so fixated on finding Roxie. It certainly helps that the two share a sweet chemistry that sells their love. Halverson and Lyons are equally as charming and work very well together.
Lonesome is a sweet romance that captures the charm of the earliest days of cinema. The cast is splendid, with McLain and DeRuyter being the cutest. There is not much at stake in the story, but that is part of the frothy appeal.
"…a sweet romance that captures the charm of the earliest days of cinema."
