SUNDANCE - I AM NOT A HIPSTER Rocks With Genuine Emotion

Cast of I Am Not a Hipster at Sundance: Destin Cretton, Lauren Coleman, Kandis Erickson, Ron Najor,Dominic Bogart, Joel P. West, Alvaro Orlando, Tania Verafield, Eva Mah,Tammy Minoff
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America

I Am Not a Hipster is the debut film by Destin Daniel Cretton.  His short film, Short Term 12, won the Grand Jury Prize in 2009.  The story is about Brooke, an indie musician in the San Diego scene, who is mourning the loss of his mother. 

I found the first 15-20 minutes of the film a little lifeless.  Brook (the musician) was suffering from such a deep depression that the same bland expression on the screen started to get tiresome.  But just when I started to feel restless, Brook’s father and three younger sisters came to visit and infused the screen with life.  Watching the sisters and their love for Brook was very honest…like a real family.  Brook and his father reconciled with nary a word between them, just like most families I know—you just start talking to each other again. 

My favorite moment was when the three sisters were in Brook’s bathroom getting ready for bed and they opened his medicine cabinet and saw a picture of them all as kids and one of the sisters said, “he still loves us,” and taped the picture to the outside of the mirror where Brook saw it in the morning.  It was small moments like those—all three sisters sharing the bed and making breakfast together and in the ocean together that made for honest movie magic.  

I Am Not a Hipster has great writing and great acting too…across the board.  Dominic Bogart plays Brook subtly and his performance is very moving.  He has a Broadway background (Rent, Jersey Boys) along with film and TV and I can’t wait to see and hear more from him.  I also loved the sunny character Clarke (Brook’s best friend and manager) played by Alvaro Orlando...their friendship was delightful.  I want Clarke as my best friend.   

When the film ended, I was in genuine tears...nothing contrived in this movie.  What a gem!  Look for this film at your local indie theater during the year.  I have not heard of a purchase deal yet, but I cannot imagine that it will be overlooked.  The movie soundtrack will be released later this year.  Currently you can download some of the music at caninesmusic.com.  GRADE B+.  

Here is the trailer for your enjoyment:

PS.  The "R" rating is due to more than one "F" word.