Guy Friends marks a refreshing return to the arena of relationships, in an intimate indie drama written and directed by Jonathan Smith. Combining the pre-occupations of early Woody Allen with shades of Neil LaBute, this New York story rests squarely on the shoulders of newcomer Kavita Jariwala (Jaime). As the focus of affection for many of her male friends, Jaime remains oblivious to their attention seeking tactics, seeing kind gestures and everyday courtesies as innocent extensions of a casual acquaintance. However, that all changes when her boyfriend Patrick (Mike Dahlgren) moves out for a month, leaving the way clear for amorous advances from every direction.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
With an arresting piano score and a location-based urban aesthetic, Guy Friends feels like a throwback to 70s cinema in its heyday. Shot in black and white with flashes of colour, writer-director Jonathan Smith explores relationship dynamics between genders, making some pertinent points. Many of them are unpacked in the opening minutes as Jamie encounters various male admirers, each harbouring their own ulterior motives. Crucially, although smart phones and social media are mentioned in passing, Guy Friends focuses solely on face-to-face encounters and subtlety grounds this story in the process.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
Reminiscent of Our Friends and Neighbours as well as Annie Hall and Manhattan, Guy Friends is most effective when Kate Muldowney is introduced as Sandy. Girlfriend to Ted (Justin Clark), who is one of the few men not pursuing Jaime, she comes in like a breath of fresh air and gives this film some real backbone.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
Whether backing up Jaime in an awkward exchange with Patrick or fighting her own corner when he turns up uninvited as a plus one, Muldowney injects a firebrand quality that brings this film to life. Her part in bringing Jaime out of her shell also feels pivotal and organic, allowing a sense of genuine connection to draw audiences in throughout the film.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
Justin Clark is also crucial in providing perspective since Ted and Sandy seem to be the only ones who want the best for Jamie. A shorthand between them that has developed over time, throws the dating scene in New York into sharp relief. Options of any kind are fraught with complications and the potential for anything long-term feels futile. As much as Jonathan Smith injects his film with an optimistic edge, Guy Friends leans towards gender empowerment and individual ambition, over the security of a compassionate connection.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
If anything, this film embraces the more cynical elements of Neil LaBute and highlights a need for compromise within any relationship. As much as Jaime might come to her senses and fly solo, Guy Friends never makes any judgements or openly condones individual choices in a subjective final reel. Splashes of colour might highlight the importance of real-world friendships over intimate relationships, but those shades of grey which exist somewhere between the two is what makes Guy Friends come alive.
Copyright – Jonathan Smith / Vile Henchmen Productions
Guy Friends is available on demand from 31 May.