Blue Jay

​Every mature human, at some point in life, probably comes to the realization that certain things have an expiration date and certain others are not meant to be. On one hand, there's the cynicism that this reality brings to one's perspective, yet, on the other, there's the childlike hope for these things to last that forms the core of our humanity. I guess the wise find a balance by cherishing the sweetness that this hope brings while also acknowledging the aforementioned expiration. "Blue Jay" is a tribute to that wisdom. Two former lovers have a chance encounter in their hometown and spend a night dancing around the idea of 'what could have been'. All the while, they savor the hope this idea brings, while holding themselves back with the ropes of reality. Mark Duplass' script is a wonder, in how it gradually peels off layers to reveal more about the characters. At no point does the film and our understanding of it feel ill-informed though, and the gradual revelation only adds to how we appreciate the characters' situations, choices, and consequences. Alex Lehmann helms the film effectively, granting it a charming pace that makes one relax and start caring about the characters. Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson show wonderful talent and are well shot by Alex. Julian Wass' score is rather lovely too. "Blue Jay" is now streaming on Netflix.