I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is the directorial debut of Macon Blair that premiered at Sundance this year. It won the Grand Jury Award there and somehow is already available on Netflix. The film feels a lot like Blair’s leading role in Blue Ruin, but with an air of comedy. It is an engaging film that features Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood, some graphic violence, and some social commentary.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore
Ruth (Lynskey) is tired of being pushed around by the people in her world, and when she arrives at home to find her house ransacked and her grandmother’s silver stolen she has had enough. The police offer her little comfort and she sets out to stop being pushed around and confronts her neighbor Tony (Wood) whose dog has been pooping in her yard. After a lead on the thief arrives, Tony and she decide to confront the thieves and her world spirals out of control.
Wood is playing a character that seems somewhat new for him and it works perfectly. The chemistry between Wood and Lynskey is so natural and really makes their odd pairing make sense. Lynskey is an unbelievably sympathetic character especially if you’ve ever felt the violation she describes after her robbery. While her actions are not likely to mimic anyone’s in real life, they are the manifestation of real life’s fantasies. The things we dream about doing if there were no fear of consequences when justices is being denied to us.
Blair clearly took notes from Jeremy Saulnier during the time he spend making Murder Party, Blue Ruin, and Green Room. Even the violence depicted in I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is reminiscent of that seen in Saulnier’s films. The major difference is the comedic tone that permeates the insanity of the film. For example, Tony throwing a throwing star into a wall after accidentally hitting a guy in the face with a morning star. The scene intensifies only to end with the comedic note of Tony trying to retrieve his throwing star with some difficulty.
Final Thoughts…
Blair’s writing sensibilities are enjoyable and his directorial style is there. There is some great camera work and interesting lighting choices that again seem to pull from Blue Ruin. If you’re a fan of Blair’s acting and Saulnier’s style then you’ll likely enjoy this film. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore earns the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating.
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