Get ready to be hooked on the charming and witty indie film, Downtown Owl. Directors Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe have transformed Chuck Klosterman’s novel into a thoughtful and engaging ensemble piece that could easily become a series. The film is held together by Rabe’s controlled yet wildly uninhibited performance, and T Bone Burnett’s eclectic alt-country score and soundtrack, infused with the music and spirit of Elvis Costello, perfectly nail the film’s tone.
The story follows English teacher Julia Rabia (Rabe) as she moves from urban Milwaukee to the backwater town of Owl, North Dakota, to take up a post in a remote school. The film’s opening has a cartoonish element, with characters speaking directly to the camera, but it quickly settles into a disarming style reminiscent of the 1990s CBS drama Northern Exposure.
As Julia settles into her new life, she becomes involved with the locals, including the retired farmer Horace (Ed Harris), the melancholy football player Mitch (August Rosenstein), and the sleazy coach Laidlaw (Finn Wittrock). The film’s darkly humorous tone is maintained throughout, even as it tackles serious issues like terminal illness and sexual misconduct.
Bringing all the loose ends together is a slightly arduous task, but the film’s ending is unexpected and optimistic in a bittersweet kind of way. It’s a testament to the integrity of this likable, modest indie that it leaves us wanting to spend just a little bit more time with these characters and find out what happens next. Don’t miss Downtown Owl at the Tribeca Festival’s Spotlight Narrative.
