Movie Review: ‘Pratfall’ – A Chance Encounter in a City that Never Sleeps

Alex Andre’s ‘Pratfall‘ is an intimate tale of chance encounters, connection, and the haunting complexities of inner struggles, set against the vibrant yet ominous backdrop of New York City.

Written and directed by Alex Andre, the film follows a troubled insomniac named Eli (played by Joshua Burge), and an enigmatic French tourist, Joelle (played by Chloé Groussard). The two characters meet serendipitously in Central Park and embark on a sleepless tour of the city, forming an unusual bond that reveals both the beauty and the shadows within themselves and the world around them.

In its opening 15 minutes, the film sets up a parallel narrative, cutting between scenes of Eli and Joelle. These transitions place the characters in the same universe, but their lives appear worlds apart. This distance underscores their individuality until their paths finally cross in Central Park. Eli spots Joelle who is dressed as the quintessential tourist in an “I Love New York” shirt and cowboy boots, and after a few coincidental run-ins, he decides to confront her. Their first interaction is tense and almost confrontational, but it quickly evolves into a connection as strange as it is immediate.

Joshua Burge and Chloé Groussard in Pratfall (2023)

From this point, the two embark on a journey across the sleepless city, with Eli acting as a guide. He shares stories about the city, but all from his perspective which seems to be stained by his own formed prejudices and machinations that paint a haunting view of New York. Meanwhile, Joelle who is vulnerable shows curiosity and also optimism as she absorbs the city and Eli‘s perspective of it.

You soon realize that Eli’s perspective of things is shrouded in his mental struggles and grief stemming from the loss of his girlfriend Tina through drugs and then his mother which also followed in quick succession.

Their dynamic is engaging, but their shared journey is tinged with an air of menace, as the city itself becomes a character which is a looming, unpredictable force that mirrors their internal struggles.

The choice of New York City, particularly the Central Park area, as the film’s backdrop is inspired. The city’s vibrancy, its constant movement, and its blend of beauty and chaos enrich the narrative, providing a canvas that reflects the characters’ contradictions. The sights, sounds, and even the people they encounter contribute to the film’s immersive atmosphere.

Joshua Burge delivers an exceptional performance as Eli. His portrayal captures the character’s fragility and volatility, with every line, gesture, and mannerism offering a glimpse into his fractured mental state. Burge’s ability to convey Eli’s pain and complexity makes him a compelling presence throughout the film. Chloé Groussard matches Burge’s intensity with her nuanced portrayal of Joelle. Her expressions of frustration contrast beautifully with her character’s carefree and fearless attitude, creating a layered and relatable persona.

The narrative largely revolves around Eli and Joelle’s interactions, with dialogue and subtle gestures serving as the primary vehicles for revealing their struggles and outlooks on life. This character-driven approach demands patience and attentiveness from the audience, as the film’s underlying themes and messages are often woven into their conversations and shared silences.

Joshua Burge Pratfall (2023)

Alex Andre’s multifaceted role as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor is evident in the film’s stylistic choices. The cinematography is intimate and raw, with handheld camera movements and occasional shakiness lending the film a guerrilla aesthetic. Close-up shots effectively capture the characters’ emotions, drawing viewers into their inner worlds. While this approach enhances the film’s authenticity, the sound design which is also handled by Andre is less polished. Ambient noise frequently competes with the dialogue, making certain exchanges difficult to follow and slightly detracting from the overall experience.

‘Pratfall‘ is undeniably a slow burner. Its deliberate pacing remains consistent throughout its runtime, which slightly exceeds 100 minutes. This steady rhythm, coupled with the film’s introspective nature, may test the patience of some viewers. There are no dramatic shifts or moments of heightened action to break the monotony, which can make the experience feel laborious at times. However, for those willing to invest their time and attention, the film ultimately rewards with a sense of closure and a deeper appreciation for its characters’ journeys.

Is Pratfall a film for everyone? Certainly not. Its quirky tone and unhurried storytelling require a certain level of commitment. Yet, in the end, it doesn’t feel like a complete waste of time or talent. Instead, it’s a reflection on connection, loss, and the complexities of human interaction, albeit one that demands more from its audience than it gives.

I will score this film 5.5/10. Even with its imperfection, I would say this film is an intriguing piece of indie cinema. While its sound design issues and prolonged pacing may hinder its appeal, the strong performances from Burge and Groussard, combined with Andre’s artistic vision, make it worth a watch for fans of character-driven stories.