Closure might be overrated. Just ask Ewan McKinnis (Tygh Runyan), a twenty-seven year old heartbreak victim/punching bag who continually sticks his neck out, only to have his head repeatedly chopped off as he seeks the mythical “closure.” He first got dumped by Charlotte Hart (Laura Harris), a blond bowhead who’s every bit as shallow as she is attractive. Bad enough, obviously, but then she adds insult to injury, not only by quickly getting engaged to a wealthy hunk, but by inviting Ewan to the wedding!
Closure, schmosure. Ewan heads out to the coast hoping to win Charlotte back. Instead, he winds up baby-sitting Amy Collins (Eryn Collins), a precocious teenager who’s far too temptingly attractive for her tender, probably illegal age. Amy quickly falls for Ewan who in turn, despite his best efforts to the contrary, gradually begins to develop some rather complicated feelings for the fresh-faced young beauty.
“Come Together” is one of the more fascinating romantic comedies to come along in a while. It’s fascinating to find yourself sort of rooting for this odd couple to somehow get together in spite of the obvious social and ethical considerations (as evidenced by the queasiness in your gut at the prospect). It’s fascinating to watch Amy’s maturity level grow, even as her obvious youth continually shines through, while simultaneously witnessing Ewan’s regression as he pathetically chases after Charlotte. Hell, for that matter, it’s fascinating just to see a real teenager, rather than a twenty-something, play a teenager in a movie.
Apart from all of this, however, writer/director Jeff Macpherson’s doggedly disturbing comedy is just a heck of a lot of fun to watch. Runyan, who bears more than a passing resemblance to a young David Byrne, has a remarkably expressive face…even if that face usually bears a look of bewilderment or glowering misery. Young Ms. Collins, meanwhile, easily does “American Beauty” one better. It’s not difficult to see why Ewan could be so tempted, in spite of himself.
Simply put, while closure might be overrated, the very funny and irreverently charming “Come Together” deserves all the accolades it can garner.
