We’re Not Done Yet

The short dramedy We’re Not Done Yet is about everything and nothing. It takes a special skill to convey such emotional depth with next-to-no plot. “Less is more” seems to be the mantra of filmmakers Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo, and it works. Stylish (in an old-fashioned/retro way) and surprisingly introspective, the film elicits a stronger response than the majority of feature-length, much more expensive crap out there.

Bettina (Barbara Sukowa) and her son, Alex (Longo), attempt to bond at a beach house. She converses with their new neighbor and her baby until things get out of hand, and Bettina crosses a line.  Alex comes to the rescue… to get into another argument with the neighbor’s husband. You’d think that would lead to some build-up and dramatic resolution, but the film refuses to follow any traditional paths; instead, the central duo embarks on a road trip of sorts.

“Bettina and her son, Alex, attempt to bond at a beach house.”

The film examines mother-son bonding, arrested development, semantics, the meaning of “ownership,” and how different perspectives may never reconcile. At the same time, a severe argument may lead to the most joyful reconciliation. Melanie Akoka’s grainy cinematography, reminiscent of 1970s flicks, captures a gently nostalgic and rueful mood. The leads shine.

Oh, and it’s hilarious. Bettina keeps calling the baby “Cluey,” refusing to accept that a boy can be called “Cleo.”  An exasperated Alex tells his mom, “I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” then adds, addressing her suitor, “and I really hope I don’t see you tomorrow morning.” The sense of comic timing is impeccable.

Most importantly, the film pulls us in from the first frame and keeps us invested, which is what all films should aspire to. That it does so in 20 or so minutes – while conveying so much – makes it rather obvious that Longo and Camargo aren’t done with filmmaking yet.

We’re Not Done Yet screened at the Hamptons International Film Festival.