What begins as a lovely little story about two quirky singles eschewing romance to run off for a weekend of madcap but chaste fun delicately segues into a gentle love story that is initially predictable and starry-eyed. This offbeat feature co-written and co-directed by C.A. Gabriel and Renée Felice Smith features sharp dialogue and winning performances that will have viewers cheering on the nascent lovers. Unfortunately, however, The Relationtrip proves to be a little too smart for its own good, slowly but radically shifting into fanciful psychodramas in which each character’s emotional baggage takes concrete form. Thus Beck (Smith in a co-lead role) personifies her body image hang-ups and fear of being smothered through a mean-spirited puppet she calls Mr. Chippy, while Liam (Matt Bush), who is too coddled to face manhood, tries bringing an exaggerated version of his mother into his intimate space with Beck. Eventually, these unrelenting attempts at cleverness become overbearing. Optional. (T. Keogh)
The Relationtrip
Passion River, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99 Volume 33, Issue 4
The Relationtrip
Star Ratings
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