Let’s be real. We often give indie filmmakers a bit of a handicap. They don’t have the resources to compete with major productions and are constantly fighting an uphill battle against an oversaturated streaming market. Even when giving some filmmakers the benefit of the doubt, there are occasions when critics have to find nice ways of saying, “Maybe this just isn’t for you.” Every now and then, though, we find a film or filmmaker that is something special. Writer-director Tom Rizzuto’s Settling Down is one of those. It sounds hyperbolic, but films like this reaffirm my confidence that there are hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered.
This brisk 70-minute film has all the makings of a classic black comedy in line with something the Coens would have made 15-20 years ago. This ensemble cast features Christine Copley as Faith, a restless woman anxious to sell her house and break the cycle of monotony. The only problem is that her husband refuses to sell. In due time, he ends up dead, and Faith becomes the prime suspect in the investigation by drunk Detective Caltabellotta (Rizzuto) and his Israeli partner Uzi (Daniel Koren). There is much more than meets the eye as through their investigation, the cops find the makings of a conspiracy surrounding the flipping of houses.
“…ends up dead, and Faith becomes the prime suspect…”
It sounds outlandish (and it is), but Settling Down works because it’s funnier than one would anticipate. The writing is slick, the direction is polished, and the cast delivers the deadpan humor with aplomb. Most importantly, the film never takes itself too seriously and remains committed to the humor throughout. The duo of Caltabellotta and Uzi is particularly worthy of praise, and their shenanigans help anchor the unique brand of comedy. Now, throw in the bizarre assassin from across the pond and his sexy accomplice the story is not short on attention-grabbing sequences.
It’s hard to find much to complain about in a film that feels so polished. Still, it being such a fun watch is reason enough for viewers to wish there was a little bit more. It’s over before we really get to know the characters. Therefore, while fun, a few additional narrative beats to flesh out the character motivations a bit more would help engagement. But hey, far too often, films are intolerably long, so 70 minutes is definitely better than 140 in my book.
Rizzuto knows what works and what doesn’t, and that’s what ultimately makes Settling Down a noteworthy indie. He never strays into overly complex territory and remains committed to the strange scenario. This is a truly bizarre comedy akin to what we used to see in the 1990s and 2000s. Its outlandish nature sets it apart from the pack, and the lean runtime makes it accessible for almost any viewer. Give this one a shot — you won’t see anything like it for a while.
For more information, visit the official Settling Down site.
"…you won't see anything like it for a while."
