Written and directed by filmmaker Nicola Rose, Goodbye, Petrushka is a charming low-budget romantic comedy that, while lacking in technical polish, shines with personality and wholesome quirkiness. This narrative film would be a delightful addition to a movie library or a DVD collection catering to fans of indie films and unconventional storytelling.
The story follows Claire Drouin (played by Lizzie Kehoe), a puppet-obsessed student with dreams of visiting Paris. By chance, she meets a retired French figure skater, Thibaut (played by Thomas Vieljeux). Taking a leap of faith, Claire travels to Paris for a nanny job, only to find herself treated with an odd sense of disdain by her employers. As Claire's unreciprocated feelings for Thibaut grow, she convinces him to perform a puppet show with her. The film’s unusual premise is its greatest strength, providing a heartfelt and engaging experience. It does well in not following a predictable path, but it delivers a satisfying conclusion to the story.
While some of the editing is uneven, and a few animated sequences feel overlong, the film’s cinematography is more than competent. Side characters are largely forgettable, with the exception of Julia (played by Casey Landman), whose performance is a highlight. The “peer critique” scene early in the film is hilariously relatable for anyone who’s been part of a modern creative workshop.
With its unique charm, Goodbye, Petrushka could appeal to library customers or collectors looking for indie gems to enhance their home video library or local film collection. It’s an excellent pick for fans seeking something off the beaten path. Its quirks and heartfelt moments also make it a candidate for film programming in settings celebrating creative storytelling.
For those curating a selection of lesser-known indie films, Goodbye, Petrushka stands out as a whimsical, heartfelt narrative worth owning or renting. Whether displayed on library shelves or enjoyed at home, it’s a small film with a big heart.
Where can I purchase Goodbye, Petrushka?
Streaming for free on Tubi, YouTube and Amazon Prime. It is distributed by Indie Rights.
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Director's Bio
Nicola Rose is a film director and writer. In August 2024, she completed Magnetosphere, her second feature film. Slated for release in 2025, the film stars Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Tara Strong, Debra McGrath, Steven He, and Shayelin Martin. In 2021, Nicola directed and wrote her first feature film, Goodbye, Petrushka, a coming-of-age comedy. The film premiered at Dances With Films in Los Angeles in 2022. Previously, Nicola directed and wrote four short films: Creative Block (2017), In the Land of Moonstones (2018), Gabrielle (2019), and Biff & Me (2020), all of which won numerous awards on the indie film festival circuit.Nicola is a graduate of Columbia University and the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle in Paris.
Director's Statement
Goodbye, Petrushka is a story about the longings that dominate and drive us when we’re very young and inexperienced. It's about that fleeting time sandwiched between adolescence and adulthood: intense, overwhelming and often very weird. I have always wished there were more stories about young people — young women especially — that showcased the awkwardness, embarrassments and sorrows (big and small) of that stage of life, without prettifying them or wrapping things up neatly with a bow. Some stories never have any true ending at all. But the loves and desires we experience early on never really leave us — whether they’re for another person, a sport, an art or a country. Goodbye, Petrushka is a story about how those loves are formed. And even if we have to leave them behind, I think we never truly say goodbye.
Accolades
- World Premiere: Dances With Films, Los Angeles, 2022
- Multiple awards for Best Feature or Best Comedy on the independent film festival circuit
Awards
- Milledgeville-Eatonton Film Festival — Best Feature
- Broad Humor Film Festival — Best Feature
- Shawna Shea Film Festival — Best Comedy and Best Screenplay
- Revolution Me Film Festival Winner — Best Feature