The French Italian
The French Italian
Stars: Catherine Choen, Aristotle Athan, Chloe Cherry, Ruby McCollister, Jon Rudnitsky and Ikechukwu Lipomata
Director/Scriptwriter: Rachel Wolther
Cinematographer: Charlotte Hornaby
Composer: Dimon Hanes
Rating: R
Running Length: 93 minutes
In the world of a big city where neighbors live so close, they almost rub elbows with each other, there can, also, be friction. Such is the premise of “The French Italian” written and directed by Rachel Wolther. When neighbors in an apartment complex become so annoying that one has to leave the state to regain composure, what to do? Peacefully go on your way or plot revenge. The latter is what happens, but there are also stumbling blocks. The main characters are Valerie (Cat Cohen) and Doug (Aristotle Athari) who, with friends, decide on revenge in a unique way.
The story begins with Valerie and Doug living in an apartment complex, with neighbor, Mary (Chloe Cherry) as the irritating person. She has loud arguments and “La Bamba” sounding quite loud when least expected. This becomes such a nuisance, that Valerie and Doug leave and move in with relatives. A circle of friends there suggests revenge and their friend Wendy (Ruby McCollister) helps. Eventually, they come up with a plan to humiliate Mary, who is a budding actress. Put on a play and get her to star in, then pull the plug out from beneath her. Looks good on paper, but the straight and narrow road sometimes has sideroads. Fate does have a mind of its own.
The film is made of young actors and they show their abilities well. Facial expressions abound as what they originally planned isn’t quite happening. Whether in a group or together, this is Valerie and Doug’s show and they make the most of it. Director Rachel Wolther knows just where to place the camera to get body language. The atmosphere of New York is there and gives us a taste of life in the big city apartment district.
“The French Italian" ends up being a humorous look into apartment living, what one has to put up with and how not caring about other neighbors can lead to situations. Brownstones on the Upper West Side are the backdrop and may bring memories to those who live there in their early apartment days. New York City is truly a city of a multitude of personalities and in “The French Italian” we see a section of the population in action.
Copyright 2025 Marie Asner
