Editors note: This review was originally published May 27 after its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film opens in limited release Friday.
Kelly Reichardt has been captivating audiences with her minimal Americana style since the early 1990s. Her films, often set in Oregon, explore the lives of quiet misfits who don’t quite fit into society’s mold. Throughout her career, Reichardt has collaborated with many talented individuals, but none have captured her unique brand of naturalism quite like Michelle Williams.
In Wendy and Lucy, Williams portrays a homeless woman on a mission to find her stolen dog. In Meek’s Cutoff, she joins a wagon train heading west in a counter-Western tale. And in Certain Women, she plays one half of a couple trying to build their dream home. Williams’ performances in these films are subtle and nuanced, perfectly embodying Reichardt’s style.
In Reichardt’s latest film, Showing Up, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Williams takes on the role of Lizzy, a middle-aged ceramic artist. Lizzy’s life is filled with blurred boundaries. Her family connections and living arrangements create a complex web of relationships. She navigates these challenges while trying to pursue her passion for art.
As Lizzy’s hot-water service breaks down and her landlady fails to fix it, she must make do with the situation. Making art is her priority, and she is determined to prepare for an upcoming exhibition. Lizzy’s dedication to her craft mirrors Reichardt’s own journey as a filmmaker, creating meaningful work while facing financial constraints.
Williams’ portrayal of Lizzy may seem understated at first glance, but her emotional shifts are palpable. She conveys a sense of accumulated resentment through her actions, such as insisting on using unlikely places to shower. The presence of a wounded pigeon, cared for by Lizzy and her landlady, symbolizes the complexities of their roles and the challenges faced by women in pursuing their creative endeavors.
Showing Up is a film that embraces the mundane, highlighting the persistence required to pursue one’s passions. It may not have the grand themes or dramatic events of Reichardt’s previous works, but it offers a glimpse into the internal struggles of its characters. As Lizzy’s exhibition opens, there is a subtle shift in her demeanor, hinting at a possible opening in her armor.
Title: Showing Up
Studio: A24
Release date: April 7, 2023 (May 27, 2022 Cannes premiere)
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Screenwriters: Jon Raymond & Kelly Reichardt
Cast: Michelle Williams, Hong Chau, Maryann Plunkett, John Magaro, André Benjamin, James Le Gros, Judd Hirsch
Rating: R
Running time: 2 hr 7 mins
