Stop and Go

However, the story is only there to allow these actors as these characters to be as absurd and funny as they can be. In that regard, Stop And Go is a shining star. To start with, Whitney Call and Mallory Everton are delightful whirlwinds of comedy genius. Their chemistry together is mindblowing, and one easily buys them as sisters. Individually, they each bring a fun energy to their role, but together, they are a comedic duo to be reckoned with. Without these two very specific actors as Jamie and Blake, the film would be dead on arrival, as they are magic that makes the film work.

Not to be outdone is Julia Jolley. Jolley is so good as the sister not taking the pandemic seriously that viewers will want to reach through the screen just to yell some sense into her. It’s not easy being that oblivious and stupid while still showing genuine empathy and compassion for others. Jolley does not play her role as an entitled Karen and enriches the story all the more for it. Hansen is also fantastic. When the central duo calls her, and Nana wryly states that she loves Erin as well, Hansen’s deadpan delivery and comedic pauses will leave one in stitches.

“…Whitney Call and Mallory Everton are delightful whirlwinds of comedy genius.”

Luckily, the absolutely brilliant cast is backed up by a delightfully zany, emotionally resonant script. The characters are well-defined after just a scene or two, and motivations are clearly laid out. Most importantly of all, the dialogue and one-liners are hilarious. Jamie’s constant reminders to Blake to not kick their car is a fun, ongoing gag with an outstanding payoff near the end.

The direction is just as assured and confident as every other aspect of Stop And Go. Meek and Everton ably invite audiences into this world, so the off-the-wall and random jokes don’t push viewers away, as they feel like they are in on the joke with the characters. The absurdity of Blake dancing to let off some steam gives way to some genuinely heartfelt moments, as the sisters build each other up after one humiliating encounter after another.

Stop And Go might not tell the most original story out there, but who cares? The dialogue is witty, the situations the lovable characters find themselves in amusing, and the direction maintains a Monty Python-esque vibe of ridiculous yet charming the whole way through. But the thing that pushes the comedy to the level of an undisputed masterpiece is its cast, specifically, the two leading ladies portrayed by Whitney Call and Mallory Everton. They are so likable, funny, sincere, and just a wee bit crazy that everyone watching wants to be their best friend.

Stop And Go screened at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival as Recovery.