“She Keeps Me Young” is a narrative film that speaks to the current era and its discourse surrounding “fake friends” and the importance of caring for oneself in an increasingly emotionally stagnant world.
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Directed by Doron Max Hagay and co-written by Hagay, Blair Beeken, and Katy Fullan, “She Keeps Me Young” is a deadpan comedy that chronicles the degrading adult friendship between Michelle (Blair Beeken) and Kelly (Katy Fullan). The latter’s increasing jealousy due to a loss of control over Michelle’s sustained interactions with the exceptionally emotionally mature and socially astute high schooler, Bridget (Shay Rudolph), provides the central conflict in this mildly demoralizing and cautionary tale.
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In an absurdity that appropriately defines the film’s genre, Beeken’s portrayal of Michelle’s illogical pursuit of friendship with a high school girl (to the astonishment of those around her) is perfectly captured in the naïve yet oblivious enthusiasm she brings to the role. This ironic clash is further amplified by the film’s dry humor as the narrative progresses.
This clash of social etiquette and norms meeting the burgeoning tidal wave of a mid-life crisis escalates as Michelle considers returning to school to become a therapist, and begins studying from her old psychology textbooks. Somehow, despite this renewed perspective on situational awareness, Michelle fails to accurately psychoanalyze herself, or respond to Kelly’s markedly irrational, territorial behavior over the former finding herself, and Michelle’s attempt at escaping a life of controlled monotony under Kelly’s thumb.
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Hagay’s “She Keeps Me Young” is geared toward audiences who may feel ‘trapped’ in their current situation, and need a gentle nudge (or an encounter with a Bridget-like figure) to get their life back on track. The film also sends a subtle reminder that high school drama ends whenever you allow it to, and that it is not necessary to maintain bad friendships that damage one’s mental health for the sake of keeping up appearances. This is something Bridget, the youngest character in the ensemble cast, ironically reminds the audience toward the end of this wonderfully introspective film.
Did you have a chance to watch “She Keeps Me Young” at Tribeca Festival?
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☆ In Asian Spaces ☆ Ephesians 6:12 ☆
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