The Bezonians

Circling back to the opening sentence, the key phrase was “should not work.” However, despite the late-arriving narrative, the constant introduction of new characters, and a lot of telling not showing, Michael’s directed a feature film that does work. In fact, it is pretty terrific overall.

For starters, Chiraag Patel’s editing is flawless. The way the film cuts back and forth between the introductions, their daily lives, and Plato’s home life with his wife (Marina Sirtis) and children creates real momentum. The poker game where the debt is incurred feels high stakes thanks to the careful editing and great dialogue. Director of photography John Hoare ensures that every scene in The Bezonians is well lit and impeccably framed. The action is fun and brutal, meaning that the filmmaker knows when and how to deliver on expectations.

“…Chiraag Patel’s editing is flawless.”

Plus, the entire cast is perfect. Everyone gives 110%, and their efforts are not in vain. All of the main players have clear motivations, and audiences actively root for them, even with their flaws. The madame deserved to be beaten up, and even Lola isn’t actually evil, which creates a fascinating dichotomy between her and Plato. While the strong, often amusing dialogue plays a factor here, the fact that everyone is so likable is in large part due to the cast.

On top of all that, the ending works like gangbusters. It is shocking how heartfelt it winds up being, despite the outcome for certain lovable folks. Spoiling things is out of the question (obviously), but seeing the renewed sense of pride or self-love these characters gain is kind of heartwarming.

On paper, The Bezonians should not work. It tells the audience who the characters are and meanders for half of the runtime before the plot finally decides to start. But when the players are this interesting and so well performed, who cares? When the directing is so stylish and the editing so flawless, who cares? Michael’s film works because everyone involved cared enough to make it as good as it could ever possibly be.