Written and directed by Paula González-Nasser, a New York City location scout photographs the homes of strangers for a T.V. pilot, stepping into their private lives while trying to satisfy her erratic employers. Starring: Mimi Davila, Rutanya Alda, Max Rosen, Ikechukwu Ufomadu, Sarah Herrman and Otmara Marrero.
Within The Scout there are a lot of relevant themes, but one which stands out in particular is the ever-present experience of burnout. Something which is so prevalent these days, people working themselves too hard for a job that pays too little, extinguishing their creativity and inspiration in favour of a paycheck, out of reach promotions, and simply to survive. Paula González-Nasser also makes the point that because Sofi (Mimi Davila) has a more interesting job, people often treat it as if she’s not going through that experience as much as everyone else. As if because your job involves a more creatively driven or social environment, that the pressures and exhaustion aren’t the same, which is inherently patronising, and rarely acknowledged.
González-Nasser does a wonderful job of quietly layering in all of those qualities, along with lots of others. There’s a number of different conversations to be had within The Scout and they’re not addressed directly, they’re allowed to bloom naturally through following Sofi, which works really well. Especially in how it portrays the impact of focusing on work on friendships and relationships, all the different sacrifices which grow over time, which you can become fairly numb to. Added to those unusual interactions with random citizens of New York, it’s a solid story, unfortunately it simply doesn’t develop very far, and it can sit in some of those interactions for a few beats too long, which slows the film down.
Stylistically, it’s very nostalgic NYC, the cinematography from Nicola Newton has that softened edge and warm grain. It highlights the pastel colours, with a spring palette, and González-Nasser really makes the most of shooting on the street. Something which adds a great deal of personality and energy, nicely contrasted with the quieter moments as Sofi explores various houses. The runtime is kept to a tight ninety-minutes, and it flows quite well, but it could have potentially threaded in a little more background for Sofi.
Something which would have been great because Mimi Davila gives such a superb performance and crafts a character who you actually want to follow. She’s smart, practical, good on her feet, determined, kind and relatable. She’s effortless to watch, especially paired with the natural flow of The Scout as a whole, her performance and the film have plenty to say but they’re not throwing the conversation in your face, it’s all a very organic experience.
The Scout is a great debut feature from The Scout, it has strong intentions and a lovingly crafted visual. It does occasionally sit too long in scenes, and favour those quiet moments over further story development, but it is still strong work. It’s delving into a lot of relevant topics and emotions for any working person, making it inherently relatable. Particularly when it comes to dealing with people being infuriatingly pedantic, rude or uncompromising. It’s shot well, really makes the most of that NY setting, it has a truly natural tone and a charming presence.
