Before Tom McCarthy became an acclaimed writer/director in the independent film community, he was an actor with a long list of film, television, and theater appearances to his credit. His extensive acting background may explain why McCarthy’s films have such a strong sense of character, making them unfailingly moving and hard to shake off. His first directorial effort was 2003’s The Station Agent, which drew the world’s attention to McCarthy’s writing prowess and the formerly untapped star power of Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale. Next came The Visitor, which earned long-time character actor Richard Jenkins an Oscar nomination for his role as the shut-down college professor who opens his heart and his home to a lively immigrant couple. Each of these narratives blended moments of pain and levity with a fluidity that seemed effortless, and made McCarthy a filmmaker to watch.
Now comes McCarthys third film, the complex comedy Win Win, and it’s a wonderful companion piece to his earlier efforts. This feature stars Paul Giamatti as Mike Flaherty, a small town lawyer who works tirelessly to keep his law firm afloat, keep his family happy, and coach the high school’s wrestling team to be less embarrassing. He’s a good man stretched painfully thin. So, when a senile client named Leo offers a chance to make some extra money, Mike makes a dubious decision to become the man’s guardian and plant him in a care facility against the elderly man’s wishes. This questionable call becomes a big problem when Leo’s grandson, Kyle (Alex Shaffer in his screen debut), shows up on his doorstep. Urged by his fierce but caring wife (the always amazing Amy Ryan), Mike takes Kyle in, and soon finds the boy is a talented wrestler. Things are looking up! Kyle’s bonding with Mike’s family and his formerly estranged grandfather; plus his talents have brought new life to the wrestling team and to Mike’s childhood pal (Bobby Cannavale). So of course, this is when the other foot drops. Alex’s mom (Melanie Lynskey), a junkie who left him to his own devices when she checked into rehab, turns up when she hears her ailing father has money. Things fall apart fast, and Mike’s motivations are figuratively and literally put on trial when he fights with Kyle’s mother over the boy’s future.
Like his previous efforts, McCarthy takes on dark material, but never falls into hackneyed territory. Instead, the gifted director crafts a world so familiar and an onscreen family that feels so real that it’s impossible not to get pulled in. He’s a master at creating awe-inspiring casts that knit together beautifully. Giamatti and Ryan are electric as they exchange barbs and smiles, emitting that kind of casualness that is generally only seen in couples who’ve known each other intimately for years. Then, pair the stern but warm Giamatti with the oft giddy Cannavale and a whole story of two guys growing up together but achieving totally different lives easily falls into place. Jeffrey Tambor appears as a pitch-perfect sad-sack, and Lynskey is eye-opening in her portrayal of a small town girl gone off the rails. But the most noteworthy performance may well be that of Alex Shaffer, who was picked from obscurity for his prowess in the wrestling ring. Shaffer had little acting experience outside of a school play, but onscreen his easygoing attitude fits so naturally into this suburbs-set tale that it’s hard to believe this is his first performance. His chemistry with Giamatti is both respectful and adversarial, making the father (figure)-son dynamic sizzle. I’m calling it now – this cast will at least get an ensemble nod from SAG if they don’t take home the award next year.
Aside from the engrossing emotional plotline and excellent performances from the ensemble, Win Win also offers a gratifying sports narrative as Kyle’s introduction to Mike’s team makes winners out of both of them. With such relatable themes and affable performers, this indie may earn McCarthy the crossover attention that he rightly deserves. Additionally, though set in suburban New Jersey, McCarthy never mocks the state or condescends to a typically snarky portrayal of suburban life. He can’t. This is a story about a man invested in his community through his family, his work, and his hobby, who risks it all to help out a stranger. Full of charm, warmth and deeply touching moments, Win Win is an understated character-driven comedy that is an absolute winner.
Win Win opens in limited release March 18, and will expand on March 25.