In My Grasp Review: An Engaging Drama Sparking Curiosity
Discover a drama driven by captivating visuals and compelling performances, leaving viewers intrigued and pondering deeper questions.
It's important to note that Asleep in My Palm is not just a story about sexual awakening. Instead, it focuses on how the characters use romantic exploration to assert their own agency. The film is the directorial debut of Henry Nelson, who also wrote the movie. His father, Tim Blake Nelson, stars in and produces the film, making it an intriguing exploration of parent-child relationships.
Tom, played by Blake Nelson, is a struggling father who is determined to provide a better life for his daughter, Beth Anne, portrayed by Chloë Kerwin. Despite his efforts to shield her from the harsh realities of the world, Tom soon realizes that he cannot protect her forever. Beth Anne, who has only known her father's fear and distrust of the world, is drawn to the idea of connecting with others beyond their limited existence.
Tim Blake Nelson Shines in Outstanding Performance
In the middle of winter break on the outskirts of a college campus, Tom and Beth Anne live on the fringes of society. Tom is content with their isolation and prefers to stay away from the students and town residents. On the other hand, Beth Anne tries to hide her unhappiness from her father, whom she cares for deeply. However, she is tired of feeling like an outsider watching a life she can never be a part of. Tom's fear and disdain for the world are all Beth Anne knows, but she is drawn towards seeking companionship beyond their limited world.
Which elevates the emotional impact of newcomer Chloë Kerwin.
Beth Anne and Tom sit at a table in Asleep in My Palm - Which elevates the emotional impact of newcomer Chloë Kerwin. - Tim Blake Nelson Gives A Standout Performance
Blake Nelson is widely recognized for his role in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and his talent as a character actor. Despite this, he effortlessly transitions into dramatic roles and captivates audiences in every scene. Tom, a complex character, is portrayed by Nelson in a way that deeply resonates with viewers. He often serves as the voice for conveying the movie's central themes and moral messages, making him a source of wisdom for both us and Beth Anne.
While Kerwin is still in the early stages of her career, she holds her own alongside seasoned actors like Blake Nelson. The natural chemistry and bond of a parent and child facing hardships is convincingly portrayed by both actors. Tom may not display as much emotion as Beth Anne, allowing Kerwin to showcase her vulnerability. In a pivotal moment of the film, she tries to connect with college student Millah (Gus Birney) but faces rejection. Although the stakes are higher for the isolated Beth Anne, the feeling of rejection is relatable to anyone who has experienced adolescence.
The characters in the film either express their thoughts directly or use subtle metaphors repeatedly during conversations.
Despite the strong performances, the movie's pacing could be quicker, and some scenes with long dialogues could benefit from editing. The characters tend to repeat their thoughts or use metaphors excessively. However, the dialogue remains engaging, even if a bit repetitive. The open-ended conclusion of the film may symbolize life's unpredictable nature, but it also gives a feeling that the writer may have struggled with ideas after a surprising twist in the third act.
The Class Commentary Isn't As Biting As It Could Be
Nelson’s strength lies in his distinct visual style, where Ohio’s harsh winter serves as a prominent character. The cozy home of Beth Anne and Tom starkly contrasts with the impersonal dorms of the college. This comparison is powerful, although it borders on being too obvious. As Tom and Beth Anne embark on their escapades, the abandoned warehouses they explore hold a sense of enchantment, yet only for those with the ability to perceive it. These spaces also embody the solitude that Tom views as essential for survival in this world.
The Final Twist in the Film
The final twist in the film completely changes the story and undermines the class critique that the plot is built upon. While it humanizes the wealthy college students, it also takes away from the experience of the two main characters that viewers have been rooting for. This twist shows how the film struggles to clearly define its stance on society. Technology is criticized for making people shallow, yet it also serves as a connection between individuals. Beth Anne and Tom share happy memories, and she finds it difficult to separate his influence from her identity. However, she comes to the realization that some of his actions are unacceptable.
In some ways, the big reveal between Beth Anne and Tom is an extreme example of the realization that every child comes to in their life: That their parents are people. Beth Anne is left mourning her childhood, the idolization of her father, and the fact that she doesn’t know where she fits into the adult world. The isolation Tom enforces on them exacerbates these feelings, but they’re still universal.
Asleep in My Palm succeeds when it finds the human connection in its message, but gives too much time to moralizing conversations and not enough to character arcs. Asleep in My Palm will be in theaters on March 1 and available digitally on March 19.
