EIFF 2014: Uncertain Terms

Film Review by jamie@theskinny.co.uk | 24 Jun 2014
Film title: Uncertain Terms
Director: Nathan Silver
Starring: David Dahlbom, India Menuez, Tallie Medel, Cindy Silver, Casey Drogin, Gina Piersanti, Nathan Silver

Almost everyone who saw Nathan Silver’s first film and EIFF debut in 2012, Exit Elena, was hugely impressed by a new, smart and humane voice in US indie cinema. As such, his return this year with third feature Uncertain Terms – the prolific writer-director also made Soft in the Head in 2013 – was seen by many as a potential highlight of the programme. It doesn’t disappoint.

Silver again shows great insight, telling an ostensibly small story – a guy in his early 30s, Robbie (David Dahlbom), retreats to his Aunt’s refuge for pregnant teens to contemplate the potential breakdown of his marriage – but imbues it with great complexity and richness of character. Robbie’s semi-improvised interactions with the young women (among them Tallie Medel and India Menuez, in excellent performances) are believable, nuanced, and lead unexpected places in a piece that has very interesting things to say about responsibility and love, and what both those nebulous ideals really mean and require. Heartbreaking, funny and truthful, with more depth crammed into 75 minutes than most manage in two hours.

Uncertain Terms has its International debut at Edinburgh International Film Festival

24 Jun, 6.20pm, Filmhouse

25 Jun, 8.50pm, Cineworld

http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/films/2014/uncertain-terms