Watching Mr. Pearson is the second full-length film written by Dillon Bentlage. He co-wrote the drama with Simon Kienitz Kincade, who is making their writing debut here. Bentlage also steps behind the camera as director, while both people served as producers. Did the allure that made Bentlage direct for the first time translate to watching the film?
Robert Pearson (Hugo Armstrong) was once a very famous actor. He doesn’t speak much now, though one of his caretakers, Caroline (Dominika Zawada), has figured out how to communicate with him. The two reenact scenes from Mr. Pearson’s films, which clearly energize him and give him a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, some of Caroline’s tactics are not by the book, putting her in the crosshairs of her bosses. However, Miguel (Luis Rizo) sees the appeal in doing it, even if he hasn’t figured out how to also recreate scenes with his charge. Is Mr. Pearson stuck in the past, or is he trying to tell his caretakers something specific through the scenes he chooses to reenact?
“…Caroline has figured out how to communicate with him. The two reenact scenes from Mr. Pearson’s films…”
Watching Mr. Pearson is very straightforward in terms of its storytelling. Pearson, Caroline, and Miguel’s dynamic is the sole focus. Therefore, the film’s effectiveness depends heavily on the strength of its characterizations. To that end, Bentlage and Kincade have written very realistic and likable people. Caroline makes mistakes, but it is clear that her misjudgments stem from a place of caring for her client. Miguel starts off a little more standoffish, but he has a good reason to be that way. Pearson, despite his lack of dialogue, is a very complicated figure whose hopes, dreams, and regrets are evident in his facial expressions.
That is possible because of Armstrong’s utterly brilliant acting. The man says more with a single eye movement than some A-listers can with their whole body. Watching him think is even interesting. Zawada is also fantastic. The fun she’s having recreating scenes from Mr. Pearson’s movies emanates from the screen. She also ensures that there is no question about how much Caroline cares for Mr. Pearson. Rizo is affable and shows the softness under a more stringent exterior.
Watching Mr. Pearson is a touching drama that looks at aging, relating to others, and how dreams never die. The direction is strong, the writing is great, and the cast is perfect. When all those elements are put together, viewers are left with a powerful and moving motion picture.
"…powerful and moving..."
