Parachute

Brittany Snow’s Parachute is a depiction of her struggles with addiction

The portrayal of addiction, co-dependent relationships and the all-important journey towards self-love is meandering, but Brittany Snow’s (Pitch Perfect, Hairspray) directorial debut is all of that and so much more, as She hasn’t only made a film but took a huge and personal leap.” She states while describing her feature film Parachute. The actress has confirmed that the film has been mid-tier independent film success and its impressively bold performances are a factor of that.

An Insight to The Evolution of the Story

Finding deep connections when trying to baffle your way through life is a rom-com concept one would consider, It leaves one marveling how the film seamlessly oscillates between heartwarming and humble moments filled with comedic humor coupled with poignant moments.

As an outcast in her world, Riley, a young woman, who is struggling with body imaging issues alongside an eating disorder for quite a period, meets Ethan, a musician wandering through life. In the center of Parachute, they do seem like an odd pair but their bond develops almost instantly, following an anti clock direction – she, on one hand, is newly out of rehabilitation, and Ethan is freshly divorced. Which in simpler words translates to, there is a lot that could go wrong.

Regardless of the hardships, the shared bond makes them a powerhouse together, as from the audience’s view, there is a strong gravity that binds them together albeit the pain and loss they will eventually incur.

With ‘Parachute’ I would say that society has instilled insecurities within us, Ethan and Riley capture this idea perfectly. What they depict and pain is more relatable to the world we live in today, Instagram and social media has created a certain persona for perfect bodies and ageless faces, let alone the trauma such images stir inside, even as Riley said “I do not remember what image I see but I do remember where it puts me”, the line newness of this concept strikes a deep chord. One’s perception of themselves is always fluid, and Parachute embodies this metaphor beautifully.

The Untangling of Friendship and Self-Worth

Riley’s internal battles with self worth are haunting and far too real which Riley portrays very perfectly. Snow depicts Riley’s moments of ecstasy and despair with raw and candid emotions, being empathic and somewhat related to Rileys struggle. Even the strongest of people need help sometimes: in Riley’s case, it is Dr. Akerman (Gina Rodriguez, Jane the Virgin) who endorsed an introspective and familial approach to her recovery strategy. For someone like Riley, the concept of stability is downright claustrophobic especially when experiencing such a free fall.

A fatherless child, her mother slowly fades off into darkness maintaining a ghostly aura in the pricey loft Riley is able to hide herself in. Their both manic and exhilarating urges are curbed by her closest friend, Casey (Francesca Reale), though their rolling thunder only allots a faint remedy.

He is (like Grayson) Rick Grayson’s father – headstrong and loving with the instinct of always wanting to fix everyone but caring too much comes with a heavy price – scars from the past. Only his roommate Justin (aka Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi) provides dull contours to the structure of Ethan’s life. The moment shrinks of Riley that she befriends blur the lines between emotional relationships and physical ones and these are the exact tress if Jeolzer that comes untouched from the ends of Grayson’s recent divorce. With Ethan, trust and nudeness have always been strange and unusual concepts so their already weak foothold further disorientates their already precarious setting.

A Stellar Ensemble

In supporting roles, Snow assembles a stellar group of recognized faces. While Scott Mescudi as Justin lends some warmth and comic relief, Gina Rodriguez is outstanding as Riley’s therapist who is congenial but stern. And, while Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) casts a quirky host of a murder-mystery club which Riley seeks employment with, it is the other work Bautista does which is an unwanted departure from his trademark role: it is conflicting to see him shift from strongman to sensitive villain. On the other hand, Joel McHale (Community) appears in a short scene, but it helps enrich the story.

Raw and Vulnerable Relatable Raw Emotion

Riley and Ethan share very painful emotions that are sorely intimate. Their exchanges are realistic – they depict real life aspects of being in love with a person unwilling to come to terms with him or herself. For instance, perhaps one of the most memorable moments is when one of Riley’s friends exposes her reliance on self-destructive behaviors and the damage that such intimate relationships can cause to a person as a result of healthy emotional disconnects.

These moments of vulnerability, are just a fraction of Snow’s wide range of competence as a director, revealing her skill in quick changes from seemingly innocuous exchange to tragic dramatic conflict without batting an eye. Where many ironically go overboard, her storytelling has that sober touch.

Why Parachute is an experience not watched but felt

‘Parachute’ is an exploration of human experience as it work towards articulating and expressing the anguish caused by trauma one goes through in their life. The meditation Snow’s film imbibes is emulative and relatable as the story treks along trauma, friendships and healing. ‘Parachute’ has everything one would expect from an indie masterpiece — superb performances, intricate handling of sensitive themes, and veteran director snow’s sharp directing skills.

It is a vivid reminder of the complexities of the human condition, and the delicate balance we strike between desire and intimacy.

Visual References:

  • Intro: A photograph depicting the first interaction between Riley and Ethan while encapsulating timidity.
  • Mirror Moment: A provocative zoom-in of Riley addressing herself.
  • Murder-Mystery Club: An eccentric image where Bautista plays host at the meeting.
  • Rooftop Scene: A cool moment between Riley and Ethan against the city skyline in a bid to tackle their feeling of despair.
  • Therapy Session: A soft shot highlighting Dr. Akerman trying to speak with Riley.

In her directorial debut, Brittany Snow leaves us hopeful but also heartbroken while highlighting the delicate nature of humankind which exhibits her talent as a film maker.

Watch free movies on Fmovies

The First Omen