Beeswax

Andrew Bujalski's Beeswax features sisters Tilly and Maggie Hatcher playing twentysomething Austin, TX-based twins Jeannie and Lauren. Jeannie—who uses a wheelchair—runs a vintage clothing shop, but she fears that her business partner, Amanda (Anne Dodge), might sink the store. Amanda, whose father drafted their contract, spends little time at work and even hires new employees without consulting Jeannie. Lauren, on the other hand, while neither irresponsible nor aimless, definitely lacks Jeannie's focus and ambition. Between jobs and newly single (David Zellner costars as her ex-boyfriend), Lauren considers taking a teaching position in Kenya. Bujalski presents the siblings' relationship with affection and sensitivity, avoiding sentimentality. Jeannie's disability isn't a set-up for tears or humor, but rather just a part of her life. She doesn't feel sorry for herself, and her companions, including her on-and-off law student boyfriend, Merrill (Alex Karpovsky), never treat her as anyone less than an equal. But the way everyone tries to help her deal with her career problems could ultimately do more harm than good (hence the title reference: “mind your own beeswax”). Quiet and understated, this beautiful slice-of-life portrait is highly recommended. (K. Fennessy)