I urge you to support this remarkable film when it arrives on Amazon Prime – it’s the perfect choice for a cozy date night or solo viewing. Set aside 95 minutes, make yourself a bowl of cereal (the right way), and prepare to be swept away by the charm and sincerity of “Footnotes.” Trust me, it’s a 2 millisecond decision you won’t regret.
This review will be different from my usual format, as I must confess my bias upfront, that Chris Leary is someone that I know, support, and cannot take that away as I write this review. With that, I left the theater after experiencing Footnotes with a multitude of feelings and thoughts that cannot be distilled into a simple rating. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending its theatrical tour in Orlando as it was shown in Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, and New York. For those who missed it, fear not – Footnotes will be available on Amazon and Tubi starting June 7th, 2024. This film, written, starred, and directed by Chris Leary has been a projected that has spanned over the course of four years, stands as a testament to his dedication.
At its core, Footnotes is a story of unexpected connections forged in the crucible of the 2020 pandemic. The premise, as described on Box Party Film’s website, is “the story of neighbors and near total strangers, Will and Apurna. When they begin spending lockdown together in the wake of the 2020 pandemic, what starts as a platonic convenience quickly develops into something deeper.” The simplicity of this description belies the depth of emotion and resonance found within the film, hinted at by its titular reference to the footnotes of history.
One of my primary criteria for evaluating any film is its realism – do the actions of the characters feel justified, do the scenes make sense? In Footnotes, Chris Leary masterfully tests these boundaries, keeping the audience engaged and guessing with each twist and turn. While it can be categorized as a romantic comedy, the film transcends genre conventions, offering a blend of drama and comedy that feels refreshingly authentic. The humor arises organically from the day-to-day interactions of real-life characters, rather than being shoehorned in for comedic effect.
There are a lot of scenes that stick out to me when I think about this film, the chalkboard scene, the representation scene, the yogurt scene, but one comes to mind every time I think of Footnotes. My favorite line can be found in this scene, and that is the New Year’s scene. There is a portion of this movie that is shot in two perspectives, and instead of being shown side by side and linear, Chris decided to go with the path of showing one perspective and the second perspective after. A gamble that truly paid off, it makes you go on a roller coaster of emotion, feeling a specific way about a character, as it changes. Hence, the New Year’s scene, where the emotional depth of the story is conveyed with an incredible line that is delivered by Sharayu Mahale. Chris explained to me that this film was only shot over a span of three weeks with the locations of Los Angeles and Boston, and his time as acting felt like a blur. The real work was in post-production and tying together what was shot.
Clocking in at a runtime of 95 minutes, Footnotes strikes a perfect balance, allowing ample room for character development without overstaying its welcome. The representation of Eastern heritage and ethnicity is handled with care and authenticity, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew. Each character is imbued with warmth and humanity, inviting the audience to laugh, cry, and empathize with their journey.
Amidst the comedy, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the deeper emotions of pain, sorrow, and and most importantly loneliness that defined the pandemic experience for many. In this sense, Footnotes transcends its status as a mere romantic comedy, emerging as a poignant period piece that captures the zeitgeist of a tumultuous era. Whether you found yourself forging new connections or grappling with the loss of old ones during the pandemic, this film offers a reflection of our shared experiences.
Chris Leary, Sharayu Mahale, Vishal Patel, and the entire cast deliver standout performances that elevate Footnotes to a cinematic gem. While personal tastes may vary, it’s difficult to deny the film’s universal appeal and emotional resonance. I cannot assign a numerical rating due to my own biases, but I can confidently say that Footnotes is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt and authentic cinematic experience.
So, I urge you to support this remarkable film when it arrives on Amazon Prime – it’s the perfect choice for a cozy date night or solo viewing. Set aside 95 minutes, make yourself a bowl of cereal (the right way), and prepare to be swept away by the charm and sincerity of Footnotes. Trust me, it’s a 2 millisecond decision you won’t regret.
