Character-Driven Drama Is Poignant & Moving [Tribeca]

There is something about character-driven dramas that gets to the heart of the human experience, turning a simple, yet effective, movie into more of an emotional ride for audiences. Directed by Ben Snyder from a screenplay by Elizabeth Rodriguez (who also stars), Allswell in New York
(previously titled Allswell) captures the beauty of a heartfelt, and generally well-told character-driven drama. The film brings the drama, but it’s never overdone and the performances from the cast elevate the material, adding dimensions to the characters’ lives.

Set in New York, Allswell in New York follows sisters Daisy (Rodriguez), Ida (Liza Colón-Zayas), and their sister-in-law Serene (Daphne Rubin-Vega). Daisy left a long-term abusive relationship before the start of the film and is expecting a child via a surrogate, Nina (Mackenzie Lansing), who Daisy has invited into her home for the last couple of months of her pregnancy. Ida is in a stable relationship with her partner, Ray (Michael Rispoli), but is having a rough time after her coworker and friend Clint (J. Cameron Barnett) is fired.

Meanwhile, Serene is trying to bridge the gap with Constance (Shyrley Rodriguez), her rebellious, distant, and angsty daughter. They each rely on each other in different ways, but are faced with another hardship when their estranged brother Desmond (Felix Solis), who is also Serene’s husband, comes back into their lives.

Allswell In New York Soars As A Character-Driven Drama

Allswell in New York understands that not all stories have conclusive endings, or even proper closure. To that end, the film allows the characters to sit in their decisions, their mistakes, regrets, sadness, and joy. It’s unconcerned with tying up loose ends so much as it is a snapshot of these women’s lives and their loving, extremely complicated and often tumultuous dynamics. To be sure, the core relationships lead to a lot of drama, including unresolved issues and resentments, but it never feels over-the-top.

The biggest downside is that the characters, though portrayed by the actors with compassion and dimension, can feel one-note at times. This is primarily because each of them is given one or two characteristics to define who they are to each other and as individuals. Colón-Zayas is the older, responsible, care-taking sister; Rodriguez is the one who makes rash decisions without being too careful or thinking about potential repercussions; and Rubin-Vega plays the stern mother who flips out on her daughter despite being considered a wild child in her own youth.

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Despite this criticism, however, the exquisite performances and an overall solid script elevate these characters so that they still feel like actual people who are going through a lot of messy, difficult situations. The movie’s emotion and cast chemistry helps a lot to establish their histories with one another. Snyder and Rodriguez aren’t concerned with inserting any major twists or turns to shock the audience. Rather, their screenplay gently and thoughtfully brings these characters into the light without their stories being made out to be disjointed or contrived.

Allswell In New York Is Elevated By Its Great Cast

But It Could’ve Expanded On The Character Dynamics

Allswell in New York is very much a slice-of-life look into these characters’ big and small moments, exploring their headspace and their connections with another, as well as how the latter affects them on an individual basis. Rodriguez, Colón-Zayas, and Rubin-Vega give moving, nuanced performances, making each of their characters feel like they have lived whole lives before the audience meets them. Their chemistry together is equally effective and they infuse their onscreen personas with so much heart, anger, frustration, and a plethora of other emotions that make the film a must-watch for them alone.

The film has moments of humor and gravitas in equal measure, and it truly soars when it’s focused on the little things in each character’s life, working like a needle on a quilt, the patchwork a part of a greater whole while still standing well enough on its own. Although Allswell in New York could have certainly expanded on the character dynamics a bit more (some have more depth than others), the film is engaging and well-handled overall. Between the portrayals, the evocative relationships, and the drama, the film has a lot to offer its viewers.

Allswell in New York had its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022. The film is playing in theaters on October 18. It is 95 minutes long and is rated R for language.

7/10

Allswell is a heartfelt drama directed by Ben Snyder, focusing on the intersecting lives of several New Yorkers as they navigate complex relationships, personal struggles, and unforeseen challenges. The film features Elizabeth Rodriguez, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Daphne Rubin-Vega in prominent roles, highlighting themes of resilience, family, and redemption in an urban setting.

Pros

• The story is a slice-of-life look at the lives of sisters
• The film’s cast is wonderful

Cons

• The characters can feel one-note