In A World
There is a hidden talent in the film industry that wraps their engaging vocal chords around our ear lugs and makes us feel terribly happy. Or sad. Or angry. Or super massively pumped for muscle bound action. In fact, just an intricate dance of delightful vocal accents, tones and more can dictate exactly how we feel about a movie choice. It’s basic science. I’ve done the research. Of course, I am talking about trailer gods. Those unknown people who boom the basic synopsis of a film so we all understand exactly what is going to happen in Fast and Furious 27 and that mysterious garb. It’s a very interesting topic for indie flick, In A World.
Starring Lake Bell and Demetri Martin, In A World centres on Carol, a vocal coach who helps actresses perfect their accents. She is also the daughter of Sam Sotto, “the king of voice-overs” and aims to be just as famous as her old Dad. But female voice-overs are rarely heard of and her own father is coaching douchebag rising star Gustav. Not to mention, he kicked her out of his house and she has had to move in with her sister Dani who is having marital problems. When a chance to utter the immortal line, “In a world,” comes up, Carol finds herself the dark horse in a competition that may see her dreams come true.
The word originality bounces around the film industry with less effort as it ever did. Films have become repetitive and annoyingly so. Lake Bell, who plays the lead, also directs and writes this sharp and funny movie that is fresh with this unique vibe and tale. The plot at times may waver into moments of familiarity and as you follow it obediently down, it flips and becomes something new. Balancing both the new and the old and enthusing it for something special is the essence of In A World. Altogether, it is a film of heightened ingenuity.
While not wanting to throw too much praise on Bell (but equally wanting to do so by the bucket load,) the characters in the mix here are so loveable that you can’t help but invest in Carol and her crew. Bell levels Carol with goofy charm and fierce passion that her tale is uneven and completely realistic. Alongside her is the equally strong cast. Nick Offermen, Fred Melamed and Michaela Watkins. They all bring a different beat with them, important characters that entice and feel full of richness. And I have to say it, while he may be everyone’s “oh look, it’s that guy” at the moment, it is always a pleasure to see Rob Cordroy in a movie as he takes different roles every time.
In A World has this indie rhythm to it and gives you this freshness quirkiness that you never would’ve expected. Delightfully, Bell has given us a treat. This movie has a sharp quality about it that will make you titter. Amusing and insightful to a part of the industry that may have been unheard of before. If you need something to cheer you up on this dreary Wednesday, then this is the movie to flare it up into something wonderful!