ECHO PARK – Bloomin’ Love!
By Briege McGarrity
Echo Park is the directorial debut of fashionphotographer Amanda Marsalis. It is a charming slice of life romantic drama about two individuals Sophie and Alex who unexpectedly find themselves in a relationship when they cross paths in LA’s hipEcho Park neighborhood.
Meryl Streep’s daughterMamie Gummer (Side Effects) turns out a solid performance as Sophie, a fickle commitment phobe who feels there must be something wrong with her for not wanting a husband and children. Sophie decides to ditch her long term boyfriend Simon (an annoying Gale Harold) and her stagnant life in Beverly Hills and relocate to a more diverse and bohemian area. Alex, played by the likeable Anthony Okungbowa (better known as Ellen’sDJ) plays a frustrated English musician who also has relationship issues. Alex has plans to move back to London to compose jingles but must sell his trendy hillside home first. Sophie first meets Alex when she shows up to buy his couch and the pair indulge in awkward, flirty over familiar banter.
The script is penned by Catalina Aguilar Mastretta but it’s the lead actors who do most of the heavy lifting in the film; their tangible chemistry gives the film a cool authenticity. Initially, the duo accept that there is a timeline for the relationship, perhaps making it easier for them to go for it. The attraction blossoms into a dating relationship and they find themselves having conversations about the meaning of love. They have plenty of on-screen time together in and around the neighborhood, which helps to elevate and add dimension to the film, including: the Origami Vinyl record shop, a food truck, a coffee shop,Echo Park and Echo Park lake. The more intimate scenes showcase their undeniable magnetism and makes up for the minimalist storyline and underdeveloped plot.
After ignoring Simon’s calls, he pays a visit only to find out it’s definitely over and Sophie in buying Alex’s house! Uncertainty creeps into the new relationship compelling both Sophie and Alex to reassess the situation. Eschewing a clichéd romantic outcome, the final scenes show Alex at LAX.
Supporting cast includes Helen Slater who overacts as Sophie’s hectic mother. Maurice Compte plays Alex’s close Latino friend Mateo who has an adorable son Elias, convincingly played by newcomer Ricky Rico (Rob). Sophie teaches him photography and even buys him a Polaroid camera, revealing a more empathetic side.
The film is nicely shot by Jason McCormick and captures the unique vibe and gentrification of Echo Park. It also features a catchy indie rock soundtrack by music supervisor Christopher H. Knight.
Overall, this is a well-acted indie film that touches on breakups,
new relationships, internal struggles, transformations and new beginnings. Marsalis takes us on a stroll around Echo Park and shows potential as a filmmaker – with the right script, she could be one to watch.
Echo Park screened at the 20th LA Film Festival in the newly-created Muse Section.