‘Lymelife’ is a biting look at suburbia
“Lymelife” resides in a suburban netherworld with “American Beauty,” “The Ice Storm” and “Snow Angels,” where the American Dream staggers out of bed every morning to coffee and ennui. But in this case, there are some laughs as well, as this keenly observed film wrenches gallows humor out of a crumbling family. And, like the Lyme disease-carrying ticks haunting the woods around the neighborhood, it’s a movie that gets under the skin.
Young Scott Bartlett’s fantasies are ruined by mundane reality as he muddles through being 15 on Long Island in 1979. Sensitive Scott (Rory Culkin, in a strong leading role debut) is in love with childhood friend Adrianna (the perfectly cast Emma Roberts); his brother Jimmy (Kieran Culkin) is home on leave from the military; and his mother, Brenda (Jill Hennessy) seems constantly unhappy. Adrianna’s Lyme-afflicted father (Timothy Hutton) personifies the enervation and disorientation endemic to many cinematic suburbanites. Looming over all is Rory’s larger-than-life dad Mickey (Alec Baldwin), whose real-estate deals transform the community as his marriage disintegrates.
Scott’s coming-of-age bumblings form the piece’s narrative rhythm. But the most affecting moments come from Mickey’s midlife machinations: Baldwin, who also produced the film, has his best role since “The Cooler.” Mickey’s scarring argument with Brenda showcases some powerhouse acting, with Hennessy giving as good as she gets.
First-time director Derick Martini, who co-wrote with his brother Steven, coaxes strong performances from the rest of the cast as well. There are rookie stumbles, such as abruptly edited scenes that don’t quite finish thoughts. The film’s greatest flaw, however, is its ending, which feels as if the storytellers couldn’t find a finish line worthy of the race it just won.
Despite the familiar themes, the movie maintains its originality through its specificity. The details of class conflict, the children’s reactions to physical violence, even the distinctly nonerotic fumblings of first-time sex, all lend a piney scent of authenticity that freshens the proceedings.
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‘Lymelife’
MPAA rating: R rating for some sexual content, violence and drug use
Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Playing: In limited release
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