Written and directed by Adrian Anderson and Patrick Gray, three soon-to-be college graduates in Burlington, Vermont become entangled in an absurd plot involving their professor running for mayor, an Elvis impersonator, protesting students, and a group of radical artists. Starring: Ben Loftus, Noah Brockman, Isabel Zaia, Patrick J. Malone, Mike Slater, Nora Austin Murphy, Sarah Fristoe and Alice Schroeder.

It’s safe to say that Pomp & Circumstance dives headfirst into the academic atmosphere, it’s old-school and verbose right from the get-go. It immediately captures that feel of the current young generation wanting to return to a more refined time. Yearning for a time of philosophical and literary discussion within ivy covered walls, and it keeps that feel going consistently all throughout the film. Which has an inherent amount of posturing and intentional pretention, which will likely work for some better than others.

Adrian Anderson and Patrick Gray cover some interesting ground, particularly dipping their toes into the idea of originality in the modern world. Questioning whether it’s truly possible when you can find roots of any new idea in the past. They also attempt to bring through a bizarre vein with their undercurrent of conspiracy which was a nice touch. It’s just a shame that it feels as though it’s calling out for a feel of absurdism and not finding it.

That’s one of the key obstacles for Pomp & Circumstance that intellectual bourgeoisie setting has a built in disconnect from the audience. All of that posturing and preaching makes each of the characters come across in much the same way, restricting them from having individuality and true personality. The knock on effect of that being the characters are not particularly memorable or distinguishable, they’re missing something to give them a dynamic or banter. Although to credit their performances they are flourishing in this academic tone, ticking all the right boxes. It feels like it’s trying to follow in the footsteps of films like Free Time or The Sweet East.

Pomp & Circumstance had an interesting concept to create something strongly throwback without losing its modern origins. Its atmosphere is thick with intellectual fare and the performances all truly lean into that. However, there’s a few heavy handed choices in its style, particularly the use of a slideshow, and the comedy doesn’t feel strong enough. There’s potential but it’s drowning in its discussion rather than plotting an offbeat, absurd course to keep its audience glued in.

Verdict: ✯✯✯ | 6/10