As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinematography, I can confidently say that “Lake George” is a delightful addition to the genre of noir comedy-thrillers. The pairing of Carrie Coon and Shea Whigham is nothing short of brilliant, and their performances are nothing short of mesmerizing.
Glancing at actress Carrie Coon or Shea Whigham often sparks reactions like “I absolutely love her!” or “Wow, I really admire him.” Though their names may not always bring their impressive resumes to mind immediately, they are two of today’s most talented actors. Coon shines in acclaimed series such as The Leftovers and the upcoming Season 3 of The White Lotus, while Whigham consistently delivers remarkable performances in productions like Take Shelter and Boardwalk Empire. Interestingly, these actors worked together in the Emmy-winning third season of FX’s Fargo, portraying kind-hearted police officers. However, writer-director Jeffrey Reiner’s fresh new noir comedy-thriller Lake George brings them together in an exceptional collaboration for the first time.
Similar to the film “Fargo”, this new production is filled with humorously dry moments amidst a suspenseful storyline, where the two renowned actors convincingly portray petty criminals entangled in a lethal predicament while trying to maintain a shred of their ethical standards. Mainstream audiences might yearn for more by the end, particularly concerning the deepening, possibly romantic relationship between Whigham and Coon’s characters; however, those who appreciate it will find themselves drawn further into the story. Don’t let its modest scope dampen your curiosity. Savor the captivating performances that are both flavorful and unexpectedly empathetic, and prepare yourself for unexpected plot twists reminiscent of the masterminds behind “Fargo” – the Coen brothers.
Shea Whigham Is Gritty & Great as a Vulnerable Sucker
Whigham masterfully plays tough and rugged roles throughout his career, and when he debuts as ‘Don’ in ‘Lake George‘, you might find him fittingly named. Indeed, doesn’t he exude that quintessential ‘Don’ vibe? Initially, a deliberate, puzzling introduction presents Don pondering intently, leaving viewers questioning his initial state. However, after 10 years behind bars in the federal system, it becomes clear why Don seems so troubled.
When Don goes back to his old work associate, Armen (Glenn Fleshler, always convincingly menacing), hoping to collect a debt he believes is owed after so many years, Armen has a different perspective. It’s important to note that Armen is a formidable figure in the criminal world, residing in an imposing mansion with panoramic views of sunny Southern California, appearing as if he rules from on high. Not only does he refuse to give struggling Don his rightful money, but Armen comes up with the idea of compelling Don to find and eliminate Armen’s former lover and business partner who is accused of betraying him.
In a different phrase, Don expresses that he’s not the type of person one might associate with being a contract killer. Despite Whigham’s ability to portray a chilling, menacing character through his deep, gravelly voice and piercing gaze, there’s an underlying vulnerability in Don’s performance in “Lake George” that doesn’t quite fit the image of a cold-blooded assassin. However, when faced with a loaded gun aimed at him, one may be forced to make concessions. Eventually, Don takes it upon himself, armed and ready, to find Phyllis (Coon) at her known location.
Carrie Coon Redefines the Femme Fatale
Phyllis, as some might say, is a refreshing change in the genre of masculine thrillers and film noir, similar to how Frances McDormand redefined the detective archetype in “Fargo.” Just like McDormand, Billy Bob Thornton (Coon) gives Phyllis an innovative twist as a captivating femme fatale with a unique charm. While she may seem like a typical blonde from those classic manipulative characters of yesteryears, Phyllis keeps you guessing due to Thornton’s clever writing, causing chaos in poor Don’s life when they finally cross paths in reality. The tiny cannon he holds, aimed at her heart, trembles as much as his world does upon their encounter.
Could Don manage to complete the task and retrieve Armen’s funds? Even if you’re new to this independent project, you can likely infer the response. From that point, Phyllis assures not only security and integrity for Don in the future (“I’m not the person Armen claims I am”), but potentially even prosperity, as she is aware of the access codes to infiltrate Armen’s headquarters and steal a substantial amount of money for both her and Don.
A Small Movie but a More Than Worthy Diversion
Each act within this production uniquely stands out, including Armen’s oddball henchmen like Harout, the witty second-in-command (Max Casella, who has worked alongside Fleshler and Whigham in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”). You might find yourself bursting into laughter at some comically clumsy characters one moment, and gripped by edge-of-your-seat tension the next. Notably, writer-director Reiner (known for his excellent storytelling on shows like “Friday Night Lights” and “The Affair”) keeps raising the stakes in this petite heist tale with unexpected plot twists and turns that truly captivate.
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2024-12-02 23:01