Although it was marketed as an “abortion romantic comedy,” Obvious Child went beyond that basic moniker, using the set-up to mine humor from the fears and anxieties tied with such a personal decision. Writer-director Gillian Robespierre and star Jenny Slate have now reteamed in Landline, a 1995-set drama about the dysfunctional lives of one family in Manhattan. Refreshingly scraggly in its structure and plotting, with an enormous heart and affecting honesty permeating every scene, it marks an impressive step up for the duo. Ahead of a summer release, the first trailer has now landed.
“Landline is a film about many things: sisterhood, infidelity, growing up, marriage, parenting, self-discovery, etc. That it manages to have illuminating insights about each, and none feeling like they are taking the backseat, is a feat unto itself,” I said in my review. “A moment of small reconciliation towards the finale, backed by Angel Olsen, conjured a few tears for this viewer. It was then that I realized how much I’ll miss these characters when the credits hit. For an hour-and-a-half, Robespierre opened her heart and showed the tenderness that a life in disarray can bring, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to witness it.”
Also starring Edie Falco, Abby Quinn, Jay Duplass, and John Turturro, check out the trailer below.
When two sisters suspect their father (John Turturro) may be having an affair, it sends them into a tailspin that reveals cracks in the family façade. For the first time, older sister Dana (Jenny Slate), recently engaged and struggling with her own fidelity, finds herself bonding with her wild teenage sister Ali (Abby Quinn). The two try to uncover the truth without tipping off their mother (Edie Falco) and discover the messy reality of love and sex in the process. Set in 1990s Manhattan, Landline is a warm, insightful and comedic drama about a family united by secrets and lies, co-written and directed by Gillian Robespierre (Obvious Child).
Landline opens on July 21.