Returning home after long periods of absence is always an interesting journey in itself, but in the form of movie making, handled by the right hands, it can yield some extremely hilarious and even heartwarming results. Thankfully this is the case with Donald Cried, the delightful and rather whacky (in the best way possible) debut from director Kris Avedisian, that was stretched into a full-length from a 2012 short film of the same name.
Peter (Jesse Wakeman) is a banker enjoying his life in New York when the death of his grandmother brings him back to his old home in Rhode Island. He loses his wallet and runs into Donald (Kris Avedisian), his old friend and neighbor that he wants to get away from as quickly as possible, but Donald latches onto his own friend and won’t stop pestering him. Peter reluctantly asks Donald for some help and soon, the two are sent off on a crazy day of adventures together, whether Peter wants to or not.
This is your classic cringe-comedy, with Kris Avedisian perfectly up for the task of playing a role that’s a hybrid of the stunted adulthood and cluelessness of Michael Scott and one of the many intense characters played by Danny McBride.
Although Donald Cried revolves around awkward humor and painful to watch situations, Avedisian doesn’t let it all slide without flashes of heart. Although Peter has moved on from his old life, and friend, not even giving a second thought about Donald, the same can’t be said in the case of Donald, who still live at home and has connections to Peter, some more personal and intricate than Peter could ever imagine. It’s hard to find faults in Donald, but it’s also easy to find things to love about him, and to find empathy for the sort character that we all probably know in some way in real life.
Avedisian’s ability to balance the comedy with the sentiment is what makes Donald Cried an enjoyable film on both fronts, and it’s the memorable performance from the director himself that elevates that film that much more from you’re typical “return to home” festival film fare. Jesse Wakeman keeps things grounded with his performance as the straight man, and you’re torn between picking sides between the two men (or say I say boys), but when its all said and done, you find appreciation for both of them and wish you can spend some more time with these characters.
Rating: 8.0/10
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