Photos courtesy of Strand Releasing.
Vuk Lungulov-Klotz’s “Mutt” is an absolutely phenomenal film that takes a stroll straight to your heart.
At first, the term “Mutt” seems a bit harsh during the setup of the film. Feña (Lio Mehiel), having undergone breast reduction surgery and perhaps unintentional social surgery, explains to an acquaintance that, just because he hasn’t given himself genital surgery doesn’t mean he’s any less of a man. It is partially conversations like these, and a number of other reasons, that Feña finds himself with a different crowd of friends and disconnected from a lot of people he knew previously, including his family.
But suddenly, those he was close with prior to transitioning begin to pop back into his life unexpectedly. His father (Alejandro Goic) is visiting in order to renew his green card; his ex (Cole Doman) is back in town; and his sister (MiMi Ryder) comes looking for him when she gets her period for the first time and their mother doesn’t give her the time of day. Simultaneously navigating a bustling New York City without a car and navigating several tumultuous relationships without any warning, Feña makes the effort to reconnect with his past, all the while knowing that these connections may end up just being temporary.
“Mutt” may be one of the most naturally occurring stories I’ve seen in a while. The relationships feel natural, the acting feels genuine. Though many things go wrong for Feña narratively, the culminating events of his very stressful couple of days don’t feel like they’re being forced on us. They unfold with boldly realistic nuance, never quite trespassing into over-sentimentality at the expense of Feña’s character development. Overall, the story feels really satisfying, in a messy, haphazard sort of way. True to life as it can ever be.
Mehiel gives a breathtakingly honest performance, shading in the details of their complex character with ease. And the supporting cast rounds out the film nicely. Each and every relationship in this film is so delicately woven, and the result will suck you right in.
Don’t miss your chance to see “Mutt” at Midtown Cinema this August.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
August Events At Midtown Cinema
Music on the Patio
Every Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.
Film Opening
“Theatre Camp”
Friday, Aug. 4
Free Outdoors Film
“Inside Out” (2015)
Saturday, Aug. 5, at dusk
“The Sandlot” (1993)
Saturday, Aug. 19, at dusk
Cat Video Fest
Aug. 6 to 13
Down in Front! Presents
“Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” (2002)
Friday, Aug. 11 at 9:30(ish)
3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Deadpool”
Friday, Aug. 18, 9:30 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“Fleabag”
Sunday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.
Sunday Docs Series
“Summer of Soul” (2021)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 4 p.m.
Trivia Night on the Big Screen
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
Late Night Frights Presents
“Barbarian” (2022)
Friday, Aug. 25, 9:30 p.m.
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