In the dim lighting of the small, local theater, audiences gathered for the latest offering, “Something’s Not Right.” As the curtains lifted, a mix of anticipation and skepticism filled the air, thanks in part to the buzz surrounding the production. Directed by Martina Haag and co-written with Peter Arrhenius, the dramedy sought to delve into the intricacies of relationships and the quiet chaos that often lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.
The story revolves around a seemingly stable family, showcasing the dynamics between a mother, a father, and their two teenage children. The plot unravels slowly, marked by long, drawn-out scenes that at times feel unnecessarily prolonged. One of the most glaring issues was the pacing; while the intention may have been to build tension and suspense, it instead led to a lethargic rhythm that made it hard for the audience to stay fully engaged.
The performances, while earnest, struggled to make the most of the script’s potential. The mother, portrayed as the emotional anchor of the family, often delivered lines filled with palpable frustration and concern. Yet, her character frequently slipped into cliches that made it difficult for viewers to connect. The father, cast with a charm that’s hard to resist, portrayed his role with an underlying confusion, which did well to portray a man grappling with his own shortcomings, though his emotional journey felt rushed.
The teenagers, representing a microcosm of youthful angst and rebellion, provided some levity and relatable moments. Their casual banter often lifted the heavy atmosphere, but even those sparks of humor could not sustain the momentum of the piece. The film seemed to linger too long on some dramatic moments that ultimately may not have resonated as intended.
Martina Haag’s direction, while promising a thought-provoking narrative, resulted in a scattered message that left many unresolved questions. It tried to walk the line between comedy and drama, but unfortunately, it stumbled, leading to a sense of incoherence. The balance felt skewed, as moments intended for humor often landed flat.
Ultimately, “Something’s Not Right” captured the audience’s attention but failed to hold it. Rating: 2/5. In a world where art imitates life, sometimes the stories fall flat when they do not choose a clear path to follow.
