Atropia

Directed by Hailey Gates, Atropia details the irreverent happenings within a California-based compound designed to prepare soldiers for war. It’s a relatively novel premise that’s employed to progressively underwhelming and lackluster effect by Gates, which is a shame, ultimately, given that the picture admittedly does open with a fair degree of promise – as the almost inherently intriguing atmosphere is heightened by a series of agreeable performances. (Alia Shawkat’s leading-role turn as the sardonic Fayruz remains a continuing highlight within the proceedings, to be sure.) There’s little doubt, then, that Atropia’s downfall is triggered by an increasingly (and frustratingly) aimless midsection devoid of forward momentum or dramatic heft, and it’s clear, certainly, that the palpably stagnant atmosphere slowly-but-surely drains the viewer’s interest and renders the movie’s positive attributes moot – with the arms-length feel paving the way for a rather endless final third that’s capped off with a far-from-subtle conclusion. The end result is a misfire that couldn’t possibly be more obviously based on a short, with the film’s failure especially disappointing given its assortment of trenchant, timely elements.

*1/2 out of ****