Lynn Shelton’s fifth flick is nitty-gritty, witty but certainly not pretty. Previously, a film editor and experimental short filmmaker, Shelton has created a character study unlike no other. She masterfully explores each of her three flawed protagonists, brutally hacking away at their personalities to reveal a refreshing candidness that is rarely exhibited in American cinema.

Strongly affected by the bereavement of his brother a year after his death, Jack (Mark Duplass) is convinced by the aforementioned sibling’s ex-girlfriend Iris (Emily Blunt) to take some time off at her father’s isolated cabin.

 

Here, he encounters Iris’ half-sister, Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt), a lesbian whom he drunkenly sleeps with. Iris unexpectedly turns up the next day, putting the other two in an awkward position. Pranks are played, poignant moments are shared and ulterior motives are revealed.

 

A tremendously talented trio, Duplass, DeWitt and Blunt deliver. It is the realism they disport that carries this vivid script forward; but what of improvisation?

 

Generally known for expecting extemporization from her casts, this time around Shelton worked up a 70-page script as a security blanket and then had them use this as a loose structure to play off.

 

The result is highly successful, if not a tad shocking.

 

 

 

Razor sharp editing coupled together with hard-hitting handheld camerawork ensure a visceral product, albeit a sensational one made on an infinitesimal budget of $125,000. Shelton deserves eternal praise for what may well go on to become a modern indie classic.

 

You’d be a fool to miss this!

 

 

Stars - ★★★★

 

 

Reviewed by Rehan Mudannayake

 

 

 

 

Your Sister's Sister (2011)
Comedy | Drama  

Iris invites her friend Jack to stay at her family's island getaway after the death of his brother. At their remote cabin, Jack's drunken encounter with Hannah, Iris' sister, kicks off a revealing stretch of days.

Director: Lynn Shelton
Writer: Lynn Shelton (screenplay)
Stars: Mark Duplass, Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko5r9GFjzKw