The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship
brings together four essential elements of the human experience: Food, Wine,
Sex and Music. In the opening
frames sex takes centre stage. Cat (Krista Briges) is in the middle of an
afternoon romp with Richard (David Cubitt) both know the relationship has to
end when they are interrupted by Cat’s husband Freddy (Enrico Colantoni)
sudden return home forcing Richard to scramble and make his escape. The
physical distance between Freddie and Cat is immediately apparent. Freddy announces that he has to go on a
business trip to Niagara Wine country, Cat decides to tag along which sparks
the interest of Richard (Freddy’s publishing boss) to make the trip along with
his 20 something girlfriend Amy (Brooke Palsson).
The Niagara Wine country experience is the
backbone of the film. All of the
sights and sounds of the region are prominently on display. As the foursome
arrive into town down the main drag they pass the Historic Prince Edward Hotel,
several wineries are featured prominently along with tandem biking and even the
cracking sound amongst the vines to keep birds away from the grapes. The helicopter overhead shots of the
rolling vineyards are full of colour capturing the undulation of the land
below.
The narrative itself is a tale that has
been told many times before. Relationships get stale, face a crisis that either
strengthens or destroys them. Freddy is absent in his with Cat. He is focused on his food critic work
a world in which he is a highly respected player. Meanwhile Cat who had a shot
at being a prominent musician is home teaching piano lessons to fourth
graders.
The supporting players that fill out
Freddy’s food critic circle produce the most notable performances in the
production. Kristina Nicoll as the recently widowed open to new experience hard
drinking Heddy. Alongside Alvaro
D’Antonio and Tony Nappo as Max
& Darren a couple from Rochester that took their vows in Niagara 5 years
ago add energy to the film. Nappo
supplies the best comedic moments of the piece as he has a some knowledge not
known by all of the weekend attendees that he struggles with whether to reveal
or not.
The Colossal Failure of a Modern
Relationship is a tourism’s board dream. The wine, food, ambiance skillfully
presented under the watchful eye of cinematographer Peter Benison will lead hoards
of viewers to Niagara On the Lake in the very near future. The film itself does
not break new ground in the relationship field neither does the story stand in
as a blueprint for all modern relationships. But if you’re looking for a light
watch in a beautifully shot setting the film is worth a look.
** ½ Out of 4.
The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship | Sergio Navarretta | Canada | 103 Minutes.
Tags: Cheating, Affair, Food Critic, Wine, Cheese, Winery, Niagara, Tandem Bike, Piano
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