Starring: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, James Ransone
Tangerine
Director: Sean Baker
Rating: 4/5
Tangerine is a movie that has been whipping up a storm on the festival circuit this year, after it received its world premiere at the Sundance Film festival at the beginning of 2015.
The movie marks the return of Sean Baker to the director's chair - his first feature since Starlet three years ago - while introducing us to new acting talent Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor.
It's Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee (Rodriguez) is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend (Ransone) hasn't been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the working girl and her best friend, Alexandra (Taylor), embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumour.
Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles, including an Armenian family dealing with their own repercussions of infidelity.
It is not hard to see why people have been heaping praise on Tangerine as it really is a terrific watch and one of the best independent films that we have been treated to so far this year.
Prior to Tangerine, I was not familiar with Baker's work but he is a stylish filmmaker and great storyteller. Not only is a movie that is high-energy and funny, there is a tender and rather poignant side to the story and the characters we well. However, Baker doesn't always show this softer side - resulting in a bigger emotional punch when he does.
Baker has told a very human story in a compelling and interesting way that is riveting from start to finish. The movie also looks fantastic as we taken on a tour of LA's gritty streets.
Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor may be two new acting talents but they are two ladies that we should be very excited about. It is the characters of Sin-Dee and Alexandra that really give this film its heart and it is their relationship that pulls the audience.
Both women are strong personalities who are battling to survive in a world of prostitution, drugs, and violence. There is a sadness to these main characters - Sin-Dee has been betrayed and Alexandra wants to escape her life of prostitution and become a singer - and Rodriguez and Taylor play these more subtle elements to their characters beautifully.
2015 has been a really great year if you are a fan of indie film and Tangerine really is up there as one of the very best. Not only is this a stylish and beautiful looking movie, but it explores some interesting and deep themes in a sensitive and respectful way.
Baker really has shown a very different side to himself as a filmmaker with Tangerine and I cannot wait to see what he, Rodriguez, and Taylor do next.
Tangerine is out now.