Lowe’s debut is flawed yet compelling
By Amy Kaufman

A spin on the traditional coming-of-age-tale, “Beautiful Ohio” is the tale of a family struggling to accept their many imperfections. Infused with director Chad Lowe’s knack for theme, the entire plot oozes a calm, even-keeled approach with understated performances and tranquil backdrops as the character’s lives head toward shattering events.

“It was a labor of love,” said Lowe before the screening of the film at the 2006 AFI Fest. The film, which took nearly five years to complete, marks longstanding actor Lowe’s debut as a serious director. Former love interest Hilary Swank produced the project.

The film is set in the serene suburbs of Ohio, with Simon (John Hurt) and Judith Messerman (Rita Wilson) as the liberal parents to two whiz-kids, Clive (David Call) and William (Brett Davern). The pair takes excessive pride in the accomplishments of son Clive, who is an abnormally gifted math wiz.

While Clive sweeps math competitions around Ohio without breaking a cranial sweat, sibling William watches from the sidelines as his parents endlessly dote upon his older brother.

The entire family struggles to comprehend hipster-genius Clive not only for his grey matter but for his alternative methods to life – the teen speaks in his own mysterious language for which no one but his closest friends know the key, constantly engages in drug use and enjoys hard-core music.

Meanwhile, William is transfixed by Sandra (Michelle Tractenberg), Clive’s suggestive girlfriend who hides in their basement and attempts to wrap both brothers around her little finger. The younger brother serves as the film’s narrator, sharing his jealousies, anxieties and innermost thoughts through the transparent veil of the screen.

The movie is truly a family story, and will speak to audiences who can identify with the struggle of finding one’s own identity in relation to their family.

The interactions between the two brothers prove to be some of the film’s most touching scenes, serving as an all too honest reminder of sibling rivalry. William’s relationship with father Simon, as well, is often touching, as the two seem to relate on a level which no other characters in the film are able to.

“Ohio” isn’t perfect. Many performances leave much to be desired and some plotlines seem unfulfilled. Yet the film does remain intriguing throughout its short life, as audience members are subconsciously pulled into the psyches of the few characters on screen

The drama is sustained by Hurt and Wilson, the film’s true veteran actors whose patient abilities seem reflective of Lowe’s directing abilities. Hurt’s portrayal of the pensive father who seems simultaneously trapped and all-at-home is far and away the most intriguing aspect of the film. His interactions with his sexy neighbor, played by Julianna Margulies, are a delight to watch. Still, Wilson is solid as the smart-alecky Judith, balancing her maternal attitude with her quiet intuition.

As for the young’uns, newcomer Davern is bright-faced on screen and eager, proving himself an emerging talent in young Hollywood. Similarly, his film brother, Call, intrigues with his long hair and soft actions which continue to speak more loudly than any words he says on-camera. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s” Tractenberg is unfortunately disappointing as Sandra, as the actress attempts to ooze a sex appeal which seems always just out of her grasp.

A shocking, surprise ending catapults the plotline into the future in the last few minutes of the film, leaving the audience wishing for a more flushed-out finish. Still, the movie’s theme ruminates – it is the tale of human imperfection, of longing to possess anything than what you have and the struggle to accept yourself, flaws and all.

Rating: Not Yet Rated
Running Time: 91 minutes