A magical rendezvous with Beverly Luff Linn Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing a truly magical movie called "An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn." Directed by Jim Hosking, this film takes viewers on a wild and whimsical journey filled with eccentric characters, absurd humor, and unexpected moments of romance. The story revolves around Lulu Danger, a discontented woman trapped in a dull and loveless marriage. Seeking excitement and adventure, she decides to attend a mysterious event featuring the enigmatic performer, Beverly Luff Linn. With her eccentric brother Shane in tow, Lulu embarks on a quest to find her long-lost love and unlock the magic of this evening. From the very beginning, the film captivates audiences with its unique and quirky tone.
Supported by the BFI and Film4, this British/US co-production, which will make its international premiere in Rotterdam, represents an original and iconoclastic cinema—but one that’s unlikely to travel much outside of film festivals and the most adventurous venues and online outlets.
Up next, Hosking is working on a live action Adult Swim cop show set on a tropical island, while his next feature will be like a kids film, but quite a weird one. With hints of John Waters and David Lynch but without the political or philosophical implications , the film trots out random oddballs for no other reason than ratcheting up the strangeness.
From the very beginning, the film captivates audiences with its unique and quirky tone. The dialogue is witty and sharp, delivering laugh-out-loud moments throughout the entire movie. Each character is distinct and larger than life, portrayed by talented actors who fully embrace their absurd quirks.
Heartbreak Hotel - An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn
Comedy may be subjective, but An Evening… objectively features the funniest scene of the year. In it, Aubrey Plaza’s Lulu Danger reacts to the sight of her ex, Beverly Luff Linn (Craig Robinson), swimming in a way that can only be described as orgasmic. “He was meant to swim like a dolphin,” writer/director Jim Hosking regales. “But it proved impossible to find a stunt double. So Aubrey reacted as scripted: like she was seeing this magical performance. In reality, she’s…” Well, that would be telling.
As you might expect from the deranged brain behind The Greasy Strangler, Beverly is a dead cert for being the year’s strangest piece of cinema.
After she’s fired from her husband’s coffee shop, Lulu spots a poster for ‘An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn’. The two evidently have history, so Lulu checks into the “poor man’s Overlook” to orchestrate a rendezvous with her ex, who communicates solely in guttural grunts. But Beverly’s partner Rodney Von Donkensteiger (Matt Berry) and Colin (Jemaine Clement) – a stranger with his heart set on Lulu – form a fantastically awkward love quadrangle as Beverly’s mysterious act looms.
And if that sounds like a radical departure from grease-soaked serial killers and cartoonish ultra violence, that was the intention. “I was getting tired of speaking about gross-out films, it’s not really my thing,” admits Hosking, who wrote Beverly long before Strangler stained his CV. “I wanted to make something sincere and emotional, but also keep the comedy I like – another world with idiosyncratic characters.”
Despite the presence of established actors, Beverly features plenty of oddball supporting players, including some familiar faces. “I find a lot of casting too conventional,” Hosking smiles. “The first scene Jemaine filmed was with Sam [Dissanayake, Greasy’s tourist]. It feels like a car crash when you start filming, but I like the sense of impeding bedlam.”
Up next, Hosking is working on a live action Adult Swim cop show set on a tropical island, while his next feature will be “like a kids’ film, but quite a weird one”. From Hosking, we’d expect nothing less.
The standout performance comes from Aubrey Plaza, who beautifully portrays the lead character, Lulu Danger. Plaza effortlessly brings both humor and vulnerability to her role, making Lulu a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her chemistry with Jemaine Clement, who plays her long-lost love, is palpable and adds depth to the story. One of the film's strengths is its visually stunning cinematography. The vibrant color palette and meticulous set design create a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere. Combined with the offbeat soundtrack, the film becomes an immersive experience that transports viewers into a surreal and magical world. Ultimately, "An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn" is a delightful and unconventional film that defies categorization. It effortlessly blends comedy, romance, and fantasy into a whimsical cinematic experience. With its absurd humor and charming performances, this film is a must-watch for those seeking a magical and unforgettable rendezvous with cinema..
Reviews for "Embracing the Supernatural: An Exploration of Beverly Luff Linn's Magic"
1. David - 2/5
"A magical rendezvous with Beverly Luff Linn" held great promise with its quirky premise and stellar cast, but it ultimately fell short of expectations. The film's attempts at humor felt forced and awkward, leaving me cringing rather than laughing. The plot lacked depth and coherence, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters' journey. Overall, I was left underwhelmed and disappointed by the film's execution and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5
I have never been so bored while watching a movie. "A magical rendezvous with Beverly Luff Linn" was a complete waste of time. The story lacked any substance, the dialogue was dull, and the acting was unconvincing. The supposed comedy fell flat, with awkward situations that caused more awkwardness in the audience. I found myself checking my watch constantly during the film, hoping it would end soon. Save yourself the pain and skip this one.
3. Michael - 2/5
I went into "A magical rendezvous with Beverly Luff Linn" with high hopes, given the talented cast involved. However, the film turned out to be a confusing mess. The quirky humor quickly grew tiresome, and the plot was convoluted and hard to follow. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their fates. Despite its potential, the movie failed to deliver on its promises, leaving me disappointed and disengaged.