Lemon

Nobody says “Asperger's syndrome” in the near-unbearable dramedy Lemon, but the central character—a drama teacher named Isaac (Brett Gelman, who co-wrote the script with his wife and director, Janicza Bravo)—appears to be on the spectrum. In any case, this is a dark, cringe-worthy movie that inhabits its own cynical vacuum, without any care for explanations. Isaac is increasingly estranged from his blind wife (Judy Greer), whom he semi-terrorizes with threats of serial-killer-level violence. As an acting coach, he constantly praises one student, Alex (Michael Cera), and derides the latter's scene partner, Tracy (Gillian Jacobs). He then tries to establish a social relationship with Alex, only to physically assault the younger man when Alex begins to find success as an actor. Isaac eventually begins to date a single mom (Nia Long) who sees something in him beneath his bizarre, inappropriate ramblings and poor impulse control. Lemon is built around idiosyncratic tone rather than any substantive, cinematic virtues, and Gelman's performance grows increasingly unhinged and annoyingly mannered. But the title is accurate. Not recommended. (T. Keogh)