Unusual pairing makes for great comedic drama
Genre: drama, comedy
One of the most important lessons that we get taught as humans is to never judge a book by its cover.
Suze is a film that turned that simple life lesson into a premise for an interesting and complex comedy-drama.
Suze (played by Michaela Watkins) is a middle-aged woman dealing with empty nest syndrome, her husband leaving her for another woman and the early symptoms of menopause.
Her relationship with her daughter Brooke (played by Sara Waisglass) is strained when she leaves home to attend university. After a somewhat tragic event, Suze finds herself taking care of her daughter’s exboyfriend Gage (played by Charlie Gillespie), an eccentric, carefree young man whom Suze believes is bad for her daughter.
The movie is filled with many heartwarming moments as Suze and Gage learn more about each other, and Suze comes to the realisation that Gage is not at all the person she initially thought he was.
Many mothers and wives may find themselves relating to some of the struggles Suze’s character goes through. The film also briefly highlights the medical side of menopause and allows women the space to feel normal about what they are going through.
There is also a bit of spotlight on Gage’s troubled life, dealing with an emotionally absent father and a physically absent mother, as well as general unhappiness with his life. Suze’s attentiveness and care for his wellbeing brings a positive change in his life.
There’s an intimate scene in the second act that is uncomfortable to watch and seems rather unnecessary.
The relationship that blossoms between Suze and Gage is lovely to watch and seeing the support that Gage receives from Suze is the kind of support every young person wishes for. She stands up for him to his teacher and his father.
There should be a mild trigger warning for brief mention of suicide and self-harm. Gage’s storyline is particularly relatable for young people who have not quite figured out what they want to do with their lives.
Watkins and Gillespie did an exquisite job with their
characters and how they rely on each other to heal their wounds.
Each of them had something that the other one was missing and to watch them realise that is beautiful to watch. They also showcase an unlikely motherson relationship that is needed and beneficial for both parties.
Gillespie’s character is a musician and showcases his stunning vocals in a beautiful scene, showing that his character has potential for greatness.
Waisglass’s character is annoying every time she is on screen. The way she treats her mother is unkind and she unwittingly adds to her mother’s stress. She is self-absorbed and doesn’t seem to care how her actions affect those around her.
This is realistic as it is a reflection of how some people act in social relationships.
It shows how deep human emotions can go, no matter how old or how young you are.
Suze is interesting, funny, and well worth the watch.
Suze is available to watch on Apple TV