SUNDANCE 2011: JESS + MOSS

JESS + MOSS is a really wonderful film about two kids (Jess is 18, Moss is 12) and their summer in Kentucky.  While the two seem an unlikely duo due to their age difference, they are actually the best of friends and know each other better than anyone.  Dealing with tragedy (Moss's parents passed away tragically) they find ways to relate.  But the story is not really why you should see this film.  It's really more of a concept film than an actual plot-driven film.  Because, nothing really happens.  Yep, there is no plot.  However, you do learn an awful lot about these characters throughout the course of the film.  In a way, it sort of reminds me Kristen Dunst's MARIE ANTOINETTE in that nothing happens, but then so much happened, too.  However, unlike MARIE ANTOINETTE, these characters have a real arc and history (no pun intended).

The film concentrates on the theme of memory.  A fascinating choice when you consider that memories are probably the most precious personal commodity we have, but the least tangible.  With dealing with the families and their lives we see these two connect in unusual and unexpected ways.  And the film holds true to using memory not just in the front-of-camera arena, but behind the camera, too.  Well, really its IN the camera.  You see, this film uses expired and degraded film stocks.  What does this mean?  Well, first off, in the new era of digital media, this film is actually shot on 16mm film.  Shocker for a low-budget indie shot on the director's parent's farm in Kentucky.  But the "expired and degraded" part means that this was film that was not supposed to be used.  The effect is magical.  With a film all about memory, the partially destroyed, weakened, and sometimes grainy film evokes the theme of memory.  It's as if we as an audience are remembering the story of JESS + MOSS and the details are fuzzy.  Its absolutely brilliant.

The actors, Jess (played by Sarah Hagen, best known for BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, and FREAKS AND GEEKS) and Moss (newcomer Austin Vickers) are a vibrant pair.  With Hagen's street cred and unusual looks and voice, she lends a whimsical, vintage hispter vibe to the young Kentucky native, in a realistic and also moving way.  And then Vickers presents Moss sweetly and naively but we see him grow and develop over the film and his acting, though clearly he was a novice, is really not too bad.  But I must say without Hagen there to lend support, Vickers would have fallen short.  But there are some real moments when Vickers is honest and vulnerable, a difficult task for such a new actor.

Overall, this film is highly worth the watch.  Though it certainly would not be for everyone.  It's artsy, but not annoyingly so.  It's plotless, but has an arc.  And it is a fantastic study on memories and how we keep people and things alive after they've gone.

Rent/Buy/Go See JESS + MOSS if...
-you like Sarah Hagen (you will not be disappointed).
-you like "plot less" shows that are really just an exploration of character.
-you like good cinema without the flash and whirlygigs of tentpoles.

See the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9PJ7zRLTU&feature=youtube_gdata