Coming Attractions are devoted to soon-to-be released films or those available on Video on Demand.
Picture
The New Romantic

by Paulette Reynolds
November 27, 2018
​

Elevation Pictures

Director: Carly Stone
Screenplay: Carly Stone and Kyle Mann

Starring Jessica Barden/Blake, Hayley Law/Nikki, Brett Dier/Jacob, Timm Sharp/Ian, Avan Jogia/Matt, Camila Mendes/Morgan
Picture
"You wrote a sex column with no sex", complains college editor Matt, to his aspiring journalist Blake.  And just like that, the axe falls on her column entitled The New Romantic.  It doesn't help her faltering sense of self-worth when - without missing a beat - he turns to fellow columnist Jacob and applauds his latest article.
It's just another moment in the life of Blake, a senior soon to graduate - without a plan A, without a plan B and without a regular newspaper column.  Blake can be sure of one thing though, she does have - in her own words - "a boring love life".
The New Romantic is, if nothing else, an ode to Nora Ephron's wry view on romance.  Using Sleepless in Seattle as her guide, Blake is confident that she can transform her writing career - and by extension, her love life - into a stellar creation by working as a "sugar baby" (i.e. a sex buddy with benefits).  After all, didn't Jane Austen have something to say about 'financially beneficial arrangements"?
Picture
A chance encounter with Morgan, a young femme fatale in the sex industry, and some convoluted advice from her roommate Nikki steers her into a one night stand with Ian.  A seasoned writer, Ian offers to be her steady 'friend', in exchange for 'gifts'.  Not entirely convinced this is what she wants - or needs - Blake does some fence-sitting, until Matt encourages Jacob to try out for the prestigious Thompson writing award.  Certain that her idea for an article on sugar babies will nab her a new column and a chance to compete for the writing prize, Blake's life blazes into fast forward.
Picture
Jessica Barden as Blake is the perfect voice to usher in the new renaissance of female filmmaking.  She refuses to be a victim in any situation, from delivering a forceful knee to an unwanted sexual advance, to refusing unprotected sex with Jacob.  Blake's fresh perspective mellows into an engaging feminist approach as a natural outgrowth of living life on her own terms.  Director/writer Carly Stone has brought the Hollywood pre-code sensibilities full circle with this sparkling gem. 
Picture
And the minimalist soundtrack is a wonderful addition, allowing us to sink deeper into the narrative structure without any sensory clutter.  Yes, The New Romantic is a bonafide cult film for a generation ready to cuddle and change societal expectations.

​The future of women's films is so bright, we have to wear shades.
COPYRIGHT 2012/2018. Paulette Reynolds.  All CineMata Movie Madness blog articles, reviews, faux interviews, commentary, and the Cine Mata character are under the sole ownership of Paulette Reynolds.  All intellectual and creative rights reserved.