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Auggie

Country: united_states

Year: 2019

Running time: 81

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7596220/reference

Michael says: “Sure, why wouldn’t I assume the main character, played by Richard Kind, is named Auggie? In fact, Auggies are a brand of new, augmented reality spectacles that provide the wearer with a companion that they can see and interact with (but no one else can) in this domestic drama about a long-term marriage disguised at a science fiction tale. When Felix finds himself “retiring” from his architecture position sooner than he would like, he loses his sense of purpose. His wife Anne is younger, and still rising in her career as an advertising executive, and his daughter is about to move in with her boyfriend. No one really needs Felix, and he finds himself turning to his Auggies — a retirement gift from the much younger CEO of his former firm. A joke gift? A dig at his lack of hipness? Or something sincere? It doesn’t really matter, Auggies gradual obsession with the young, beautiful companion provided by his Auggies becomes an impediment to his marriage and his fatherhood. Fortunately, Matt Kane and Marc Underhill’s script isn’t so one-sided or obvious. It takes two to make a marriage stumble, and Anne finds himself turning to her new boss, and long-time office crush, for attention when Felix’s attention is drawn away. This delicate look at a long-term marriage and the challenges that arise after decades together resonates and uses the science fiction trope in an amusing yet interesting way.

“It helps that AUGGIE has two great actors leading this quirky story. Richard Kind, usually relegated to the character actor with the goofy face, uses that expressiveness to great affect, lurching from enervating ennui to the joy and excitement that emerges when you make a connection with someone for the first time. And Susan Blackwell (yes, [title of show]’s Susan Blackwell) brings dignity, grace, and not a little indignation as Anne. Matt Kane’s direction nicely pairs the claustrophobic scenes of Felix wandering his house aimlessly with nothing to do, with beautiful, expansive scenes of Long Island and the world around him, simultaneously highlighting his lack of opportunity, with so much possibility. One scene in particular involving Kind and Blackwell by a lifeguard chair brings some much needed hope and love into this sad isolating story. It makes me hopeful for these two characters as they move beyond the film to their next phase of life. 4 cats
Auggie

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