‘Bubble & Squeak’ Review: Himesh Patel and Sarah Goldberg Star in a Contrived Marriage Fable

by

In Evan Twohy’s quirky first movie, titled “Bubble & Squeak“, a newlywed pair finds themselves under police custody during their honeymoon in an undisclosed nation. The story unfolds with the anxious couple, Declan (Himesh Patel) and Delores (Sarah Goldberg), who are waiting for questioning in a spartan detention room. When Bkofl, an officer portrayed by Steven Yeun (who also served as producer on the film), enters the room with a humorous seriousness, he inquires whether the couple is attempting to illegally import cabbages into this vaguely Slavic-inspired region.

An unusual and serious allegation has been made. This small nation has had a contentious history with cabbages, which were forcibly introduced during a prolonged, enigmatic conflict. As a result, the vegetable is now banned and the majority of the population detest it. Declan and Delores vehemently deny the charge. These American newlyweds are well aware of the rules against bringing prohibited items. It’s peculiar, then, that their room emits a distinct cabbage odor and even more intriguing that, when left unsupervised, the couple inexplicably flee through a window.

Under this configuration, “Bubble & Squeak” commences, driven by a touch of absurdity. This film, initially screened at Sundance and inspired by Twohy’s play with the same title, borrows from the whimsical visuals reminiscent of Wes Anderson and the exaggerated quirkiness of Yorgos Lanthimos. Similar to Anderson, Twohy delights in the intricacies and self-consistent rules of his universe. However, at times, this debut production, which was showcased in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance, can feel like a joke that’s been prolonged beyond its charm.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that Twohy exudes an assured touch as a director. Collaborating with production designer Mela Melak (“A Real Pain”), he meticulously constructs the realm of “Bubble & Squeak,” imbuing it with the luminous essence of a genuine location. From the instant Declan and Delores step into the forest, Twohy’s film transports me to a timeless fairytale. The couple’s passage through the woodland terrain – characterized by towering trees, vibrant greens, and warm sunlit yellows (captured beautifully by Anna Smoroňová) – recalls Goldilocks’ or Hansel and Gretel’s escapades in the forest. At each juncture, skillfully marked by title cards set to ominous music (score by Brad Oberhofer, “I Wish You All The Best”), the couple encounters a fresh challenge. Not only do these hurdles provide insights about this mysterious land (eloquently explained by Declan, who had the foresight to read the travel guides); they also illuminate the fractures within this young marriage.

As Bubble & Squeak unfolds, blending the tender exploration of a fragile relationship and the zany humor of a screwball comedy becomes increasingly complex. It’s revealed early in the story that Delores is indeed hiding cabbages, concealing them in her trousers and passing them off as tumors when questioned, but this comedic element quickly loses steam. The outlandish plot doesn’t seem to have any further development, so Twohy resorts to adding eccentric scenes to fill the script, which can strain viewer tolerance and reveal a shallow storyline that’s hard to overlook.

While Delores and Declan journey through the woods, they are pursued by Shazbor (played memorably by Matt Berry), the menacing boss of Bkofl, intent on punishing them for breaking the law by chopping off their fingers and staging a public execution. Shazbor and his troops relentlessly chase Delores and Declan, but their quick thinking and help from strangers allow them to avoid capture. The first helpful individuals they encounter are Jelenka (played by Inga Salurand) and Yaroslav (Jaak Prints), a couple living in the forest with their perceptive son Timotej (Samuel Arulepp). At their home, over a hearty meal of meat stew, Delores and Declan discover more about the country’s disdain for cabbage, share a similar joke regarding Delores’ pants, and further highlight their differences before setting off once more.

Running into Norman (Dave Franco), a fellow cabbage smuggler who cleverly disguises himself as the nation’s cherished national mascot, the bear, to evade detection, adds excitement to Bubble & Squeak. Norman, with his fast-paced salesman charm, stirs up Delores and annoys Declan. During these scenes, as well as those involving Shazbor and his troops, Twohy manages to draw compelling and at times humorous performances from the cast. Patel (from Station Eleven and The Assessment) and Goldberg (from Barry) consistently deliver strong performances in this mismatched couple caught in a comedic predicament. They not only embrace the absurd setup but also effectively convey Twohy’s simple yet poignant allegory of marriage. The lingering looks shared after moments of confusion and the tension in their voices as they struggle to keep up appearances hint at the strains in their relationship.

Regrettably, the current state doesn’t seem sufficient to resolve the issue of artificiality in the movie “Bubble & Squeak,” a title inspired by a cabbage dish. Characters like Delores and Declan face hurdles that primarily serve to impart lessons already hinted at earlier, making it increasingly difficult for even sympathetic viewers to accept the storyline presented by “Bubble & Squeak.

Read More

2025-02-04 06:55