Written and directed by Evan Snyder, co-written by leading actresses Dalma Daniela and Yiseth Brendlinger. Two cleaning women get stranded at a house after their ride breaks down. Also starring Corey Angelus, Evan Beardsley and Montse Soto.
Things start off on a strong note with some atmosphere setting, strong and still shots, leaving you to fill in the gaps until the leading women take over. It’s simple and effective, the style feels a little reminiscent of Netflix’s Windfall, leaving you to question what’s to come rather than throwing you in headfirst. It’s a nice way to let things build naturally, and there’s a great tension that comes through as it moves forward. Then as things develop, it opens up a whole new story of what can be found with a little connection, communication and compassion.
Using that focused, simple style pairs really well with how Lime & Vinegar progresses, leaning into its organic feel. Dalma Daniela and Yiseth Brendlinger have a superb chemistry, it starts out rocky and they have to work at it before finding their connection. Which makes it very sympathetic and relatable, then there’s added layers of emotion and issues beneath the surface which gradually come through. Daniela and Brendlinger do a good job of not trying to push those deeper topics, rather alluding to them with body language and emotion.
However, as the story arrives at a big turning point, it introduces two new characters in Chris (Corey Angelus) and Matt (Evan Beardsley) and while the idea of the plot was a solid one, the personalities they bring to the table throw things off course. The two of them fit squarely into the persona of a man-child and consequently that completely alters the entire tone of the film. It undermines its humble nature and makes it slightly melodramatic. Lime & Vinegar then never really gets back on track, and it feels like an opportunity was missed for deeper discussions. So, when mental health and other topics start to enter the conversation more, it’s too late to do them justice.
Ultimately, it feels like if Lime & Vinegar had kept itself perfectly contained and made the focus purely these two women, it could have reached its bigger potential. The foundation is strong, the performances are great, the direction is well done and very observational. It had all the ingredients to let itself roam into a deeper connection and intimate discussion but instead chose a simpler path. The men run in loud and disruptive and throw everything in the air, when there sadly just isn’t time for the film to collect itself again before the credits roll.
FilmCarnage.com 