In theaters Friday, April 14
reviewed by Julian Lytle
Michelle Williams plays Lizzy in Kelly Reichardt’s new film Showing Up. Lizzy is a sculptor who, while trying to prepare for a solo art show while also dealing with her relationships with family, work, and friends. This intimate and quirky art world comedy won’t make you burst out laughing, but it is pretty hilarious.
The two central performances that center this film are Williams’ Lizzy and Hong Chau’s Jo, as two friends and rivals in the art world. It’s this push and pull with Lizzy’s envy at Jo’s success and also respect and admiration of her work that drives this film. Lizzy is driven to complete her work even though it seems like everything gets in her way -even having hot water to shower every day.
The film has an inviting and vintage look at times. The lighting and sets really help make this world feel real. As a person that’s been in and out of the fine art world along with attending art school, I can say I’m probably a perfect audience for this film as it hit some very specific things in its humor. I was tickled the entire runtime. It’s already one of my favorite films of the spring.
Originally posted on the Geek Girl Riot podcast on idobi.com
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