RESERVATIONS REVIEW

We are only truly alone when we realize we have dependencies on relationships that are broken. This the central message at the heart of Aloura M. Charles' finely crafted debut feature 'Reservations', which is masterfully delivered through a series of multiple, interconnecting and concurrent story lines featuring several lonely individuals that 'check in' to a New York Hotel. The film arguably centers on Hellen [Kerry Armstrong], a forty something year old Air Hostess, whose transient job and lifestyle is the cause of her loneliness, manifested by an unrequited love and time lost with family. Hellen's desperation is heightened when she learns of the relapse of her cancer, causing her to contemplate suicide off the Hotel's roof. Hellen is eventually joined on the roof, both physically and metaphorically, by a 40 year old Actor Marc [Loren Dean], who realizes he has driven away his girlfriend and young child because of his drinking, lack of commitment and unfaithfulness. The other major character in this ensemble piece is Mitch [Ray Wise], a 52 year old Software engineer, who deals with his emotional loneliness and inability to communicate with his wife, by engaging in casual hotel rendezvous' with Hellen and by confiding to a student psychiatrist that works part time as a hotel maid [ played by Vanessa Johansson, sister of Scarlet].

While there are several secondary characters that also struggle with loneliness and dependency issues in different forms, Writer/Director Charles cleverly unveils the story by connecting these characters in unusual but unforced ways, where their connections to each other within the confines of the hotel, helps each of them to recognize that all is not lost. In the end, the characters are 'enticed out' of the hotel and come together, with a clearer perspective of their self and purpose. This is a human story that resonates a universal message through connection that has rippling consequences [like Babel], where strangers collide [Crash, 21 Grams], and which is told in an interesting non linear way [Pulp Fiction].

There are no standout performances in this film, mainly because they are all brilliant. Armstrong nails the emotionally charged Hellen. Dean takes full advantage of some of the wittiest and funniest lines, and both Armstrong and Dean share probably the best scene in the film on the Hotel roof where they try and one up each other on whose life is the sorriest. Watch out for other great performances by Saige Thompson, as the 18 year old first time call girl who has run away from home; Winter Zoli as Marketa, the young Czech artist ignored by her older Russian businessman boyfriend; Tanner Blaze as the young 7 year old left unattended in the hotel room by his Step Mom and Father who cannot find a babysitter; Jordi Cabillero as the mischievous kitchen hand who falls for the restless and sexy Marketa; and Ada Luz Pia as Marlene, the Cuban Housemaid.

Overall, this is a great dramatic comedy that is enlightening; is efficient in storytelling [runs for only 80 minutes]; has high production values given its relatively low budget; is beautifully subtle when it could easily have been overplayed; and which makes a statement on the way much of contemporary society currently lives its life.

Return to Reservations

Play Flash Trailer

Play Quicktime Trailer

Production Photos