Suze

Directed by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, Suze follows Michaela Watkins’ middle-aged title character as she reluctantly agrees to watch over her bratty daughter’s (Sara Waisglass’ Brooke) dimwitted yet affable ex-boyfriend (Charlie Gillespie’s Gage) after a suicide attempt. Filmmakers Clark and Stewart, armed with their own screenplay, deliver a low-key character study that generally fares a whole lot better than one might’ve anticipated, and there’s little doubt that the picture’s perpetually (and pervasively) agreeable atmosphere is perpetuated by its stellar performances – with the first-class efforts of stars Watkins and Gillespie heightened by the pair’s undeniable (and increasingly irresistible) chemistry together. It’s clear, as well, that Suze‘s progressively engrossing atmosphere is due in no small part to its ongoing emphasis on compelling, relatable attributes and elements (eg the protagonist’s eventual attempts at reinventing herself are undeniably quite engaging), which, when coupled with a seriously satisfying closing stretch, ultimately does confirm the picture’s place as an above-average endeavor that successfully straddles the line between comedy and drama throughout.

***1/2 out of ****