DARLING COMPANION – The Review

In all the discussion last week about Johnny Depp’s eighth film collaboration with Tim Burton on DARK SHADOWS another actor/director team has a work that’s about to reach theatres, DARLING COMPANION is the sixth film that actor Kevin Kline has made with screenwriter/ director Lawrence Kasdan. It’s hard to believe, but their first together, THE BIG CHILL was released thirty years ago. The new film harkens back to their earlier efforts like CHILL and GRAND CANYON since it addresses family issues and surrounds Kline with a great cast of seasoned screen vets. Amidst the high decibel destruction of this Summer’s blockbusters a small story about a long married husband and wife ( and their pet ) may be a relaxing change-of-pace.

The film begins as Beth ( Diane Keaton ) is cooing to her new grandchild at the Denver airport. After she says goodbye to her youngest daughter’s family, Beth and her eldest, single daughter Grace ( Elisabeth Moss ) hit the road for home. But something catches Beth’s eye : a wounded mutt cowering in the snow. The ladies scoop up the dog and visit a veterinarian’s office ( Grace takes a shine to the handsome doctor ). Instead of delivering the pooch to the animal shelter, Beth brings him home to meet her workaholic, spinal surgeon hubby Joseph ( Kline ). He squawks at first, but eventually gives in and the pup ( now named Freeway ) joins the family. Fast forward to another big family event as Grace weds the vet at their vacation getaway home in Utah. After the happy couple head to their honeymoon, Joseph loses Freeway while taking a walk in the woods. And so, a search begins with the remaining guests : Joseph’s sister Penny ( Dianne Wiest ), her loutish new boyfriend Russell ( Richard Jenkins ), Penny’s son ( and Joseph’s office partner ) Bryan ( Mark Duplass ) and the sultry caretaker of the estate, Carmen ( Ayelet Zurer ).  Can they reunite the panicky Beth with her beloved, darling companion?

So there’s the somewhat simple story that Kasdan and his wife Meg have cooked up. It’s certainly not as convoluted as Lawrence’s directing debut BODY HEAT ( not a lot of steamy, sweaty sex either! ). But there’s a nice languid pace and some great performances. Keaton and Kline make a believable couple. He’s doing a riff on some of his stodgy, uptight characters while she’s not too far away from her ” Annie Hall ” whimsy. They can fuss and fight while still finding each other’s quirks endearing. Wiest also works well with Kline, but she really shines in her scenes with Jenkins. He’s become one of the screen’s most delightful character actors ( as the recent CABIN IN THE WOODS confirms ). His Russell annoys all of the family but Penny. He’s a gregarious guy who’s always working on a get-rich-quick scheme. Sure he’s a doofus, but it’s hard to resist his charms. The only subplot that doesn’t quite ring true is the blossoming romance between Bryan and Carmen. We can see where it’s headed very early. It’s the old opposites attract bit. The earthy exotic ( she has a gypsy heritage ) gets the cold, wasp-y professional to cut loose. Her ” psychic powers ” routine is a bit overused. Luckily, Joseph is there to roll his eyes and call her on the BS. Aside from a welcome cameo from Sam Shepard as the sheriff ( he just wants to fly fish! ) and a nightmare animated clip, there not many shocks or surprises in the film. But Kasdan directs with a sure hand and the Utah scenery is breathtaking. If you’ve got some affection for these wonderful actors, then this gentle tale of family ( and pet ) love may be a nice break from the explosive thrillers. It’s a bit of cinema comfort food with some old film friends.

Overall Rating : 3.5 Out of 5 Stars