Morris from America, 2016.
Written and Directed by Chad Hartigan.
Starring Markees Christmas, Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller, Levin Henning and Jakub Gierszal.
SYNOPSIS:
The romantic and coming-of-age misadventures of a 13-year-old American living in Germany.
We’ve all been there, at that moment in life when we feel as though we are detached from everything and everyone around us. Whether it’s in our early years through to our adult interactions, feeling as though you’re drifting away from everything is hard. Now imagine having the same experience in a foreign country with just a small grasp of what those around you are saying. Morris from America, the award-winning Sundance 2016 hit tells one such story of growing up miles away from what you consider home.
YouTube sensation Markees Christmas is the titular Morris, thirteen years-old and out of his depth. Circumstances and work have set he and his Dad (Robinson) in Germany where neither is comfortable but where life has drawn them too. Curtis is a local soccer coach preparing for a new season through a hot summer which in turn leaves Mo in the hands of a local community centre and a young language tutor (Juri) as he sources of learning and cohabiting. Curious and smart, Mo absorbs everything with most of his wanderings transforming into rap songs, one of his last vestiges of home and heritage that help keep one foot in America. But as ever with precocious teens, attention soon turns to romance, namely fellow community centre attendee Katrin (Keller) who herself feels out of place despite this being her home.
Writer-director Hartigan has become something of a Sundance ‘darling’ over the years and it’s obvious from the very first frame as to why. Drawing from his own experiences growing up as an American in Europe (Cyprus to be exact), Morris is a beautifully measured film: witticisms and thoughtfulness blend wonderfully as his wistful tale of isolation, love and connection sweeps you up from its opening moments as doesn’t let go. Many such Sundance films overplay the dramedy card but in Hartigan’s hands, it’s told with care and affection and impossible to resist.
Anchoring the ship is the spectacular central turn from Christmas – with no real acting training to speak of, Hartigan entrusts his years of hard work on his young shoulders but his unrefined nature is the perfect marriage with Mo himself still honing as his steps from childhood into adulthood with remarkable gravitas. And when he shares screen time with young Lina Keller (also a revelation), the film floats into the next level of wonder.
Robinson too excels, easily the best work The Office star has done thus far and an early underdog to back for the supporting awards come the season. His relationship with Christmas is superbly played and the authenticity of their bond and the moments they share, whether it’s music, sex or their joint alienation, are the film’s strongest moments. Add into the mix some excellent support from Carla Luri (soon to be seen in Blade Runner 2), it’s one of the best ensembles of the year.
Combined with some fantastic music and a superb score, Morris From America is as energetic, thoughtful and heartwarming a tale as you’re likely to see. It’s spirit and spirit soar throughout and director Hartigan’s pitch perfect score only enhances an already wonderful experience. The stand-out film of the festival so far.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Scott J. Davis is a Senior Staff Writer and Roving Reporter for Flickering Myth – Follow him on Twitter
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Originally published June 4, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
