Your Sister’s Sister Posted by Rosie Kinsella on September 2, 2012 · 5 Comments

In such times of 3D, advanced special effects and astronomical budgets, Lynn Shelton firmly establishes that bigger is not always better and reminds us that sometimes all you really is a talented cast and a camera.

Mark Duplass (who also features in Shelton’s previous film Humpday) stars as Jack, a lost soul struggling to cope with his brother’s death. Emily Bluntis Iris, his best friend and confidante who convinces him that what he really needs is time to reflect and sends him to her Father’s remote woodland cabin. Rather than being abandoned it contains Iris’ Sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt)who also seeks isolation, intending to wallow over her recent break up. After a clumsy introduction they find themselves sharing their increasingly drunken confessions over a bottle of tequila and despite Hannah being a lesbian they end up sleeping together. To exacerbate the awkward situation, Iris (who secretly has feelings for Jack) arrives the next morning to stay which launches an increasingly secretive and tension filled next few days.

Almost entirely improvised and shot predominantly in the one cabin location, the film focuses heavily on the dynamic between the three leads. Blunt and DeWitt have a natural chemistry and are extremely believable as (half) sisters and in the same way her rapport with Duplass is effortless and feels very personal. Their conversations are witty and wholly relateable as though they were a group you would overhear in a restaurant. The result of so much improvisation does create the effect of the actor’s real personalities shining through their characters and the result is a very authentic chemistry that is incredibly engaging to watch.

The ever-likeable Emily Blunt seems to be one of the few actresses who can alternate mainstream Hollywood films with small independent productions seamlessly and it is interesting to see how her career has developed. She is arguably the heart of the film and though her actions may veer towards the improbable near the end of the film, her and DeWitt’s take on the strength of a sibling bond is really quite touching as is her unrequited love for her best friend and her fears of ruining their friendship.

Verdict:

Interspersed with beautiful lakeside shots, Your Sister’s Sister, while perhaps too slow for some, is an enjoyable, authentic and charming watch and a refreshing break from the likes of Transformers and The Expendables. If watching it with a sibling, expect to receive many knowing elbow nudges along the way.

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