Blue Jay
Orchard, The | Release Date: October 7, 2016
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Ratings
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7
DirigiblePulpFeb 24, 2017
A soft and sweet exploration of the nostalgia of a past romance through the present discovery of things, dialogue and suddenly, feelings. The two central performances are wonderful and the black and white cinematography quite lovely,A soft and sweet exploration of the nostalgia of a past romance through the present discovery of things, dialogue and suddenly, feelings. The two central performances are wonderful and the black and white cinematography quite lovely, especially the shots of the lake and the surrounding countryside.

What it tries to capture is the magic and allure of the past, of youth and the bliss of a young heart's first love. But also how that isn't reality (reality is in color). The ending doesn't drive this home for me. It's rushed and malformed. We know something is coming, but what and how has it impacted them? What does the intoxication of nostalgia that ended in ruin say about the present revelry in it?… Expand
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8
imthenoobDec 27, 2016
I always liked Duplass as an actor but it wasn't until this movie that I really started to respect him as a writer. The film revolves around two former lovers reuniting after years apart with only a small bit part to a cashier at a store theyI always liked Duplass as an actor but it wasn't until this movie that I really started to respect him as a writer. The film revolves around two former lovers reuniting after years apart with only a small bit part to a cashier at a store they use to visit. The film is strictly between the male and female leads, played by Duplass and Paulson, and both deliver great performances.

From the awkward reunion to the emotional breakdown at the end of the film, These two stayed true to the characters they played. It truly felt genuine watching them on screen, Their chemistry was through the roof and it really made this film so much better than what it could have been.

So hats off to Duplass for writing and acting in this very satisfying film. Go see it.… Expand
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8
3ebfan511Aug 7, 2017
This film is like re-living high school and the feelings of young love in your high schools years battling with whatever currently is going on with your life, and the disparity between those two worlds, or what they could have been. ItsThis film is like re-living high school and the feelings of young love in your high schools years battling with whatever currently is going on with your life, and the disparity between those two worlds, or what they could have been. Its probably one of the better sentimental love stories of the last few years, and may have you reminiscing yourself.… Expand
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7
SpangleMay 10, 2017
Two lost and broken souls see each other in a supermarket. A chance encounter, the two share a connection forged in the fires of their youth. Since then, things have changed. One, a drywall installer, has returned home to clean-up andTwo lost and broken souls see each other in a supermarket. A chance encounter, the two share a connection forged in the fires of their youth. Since then, things have changed. One, a drywall installer, has returned home to clean-up and possibly re-do his recently deceased mother's home. He is unmarried. The other, a dog rescue owner, has returned home to help her sister with her impending birth. She is married with two boys in college. In meeting once again, the two old high school sweethearts re-kindle the embers that once were alight within each other. In spending one more day with one another, the two realize that, no matter how much their lives have changed, their deep-rooted connection is like their small hometown: nothing has changed. There is still the old man in the gas station market. The same rocks by the river are there. They still remember each other's favorite things. Old clothes and notes are still hung up in the closet. Yet, underneath it all, the coffee has gotten worse. Both are afraid to admit that their old favorite coffee place has gotten progressively worse over the years, so both continue to sip down the bad coffee. By the time they both openly admit this fact, they both realize that it is time to wake up and smell said coffee: things have changed, even if on the surface, everything is the same.

Unmistakably different after so many years, Jim (Mark Duplass) and Amanda (Sarah Paulson) may be able to slip right back into old antics and routines, but they are too different. However, what connects them is one event from their relationship that also wound up tearing them apart. It has hampered both of them since it happened with Jim unable to find love in another person after losing this connection with Amanda. Amanda, meanwhile, is suffering from depression and equally unable to find satisfaction, aside from her stepchildren. Unable to speak about it with one another so many years ago, the two's chance encounter winds up not just being a trip down nostalgia lane, but also a chance to revisit past hurts and to have a mutual healing between the two parties. It is through this opportunity to put themselves back into the shoes of those lost and confused teenagers that they are able to confront the darkness that hangs over each of them, the doubt that they made the right decision, and the regret that abortion can really foster up for many.

Tenderly and charmingly written by Mark Duplass, Blue Jay further establishes Duplass - of The League fame - as one of the unsung heroes of modern independent cinema. Directing, producing, and writing, independent films alongside his brother Jay, Mark Duplass consistently delivers low-key comedies and dramas that touch on the human experience. Or, if they do not, they at least touch willing audiences in another manner. Blue Jay is absolutely representative of this with its tender approach to its romance, refusal to demonize either party, and to show both the dangers and rewards of delving into one's past for future healing, the film is a beautiful mosaic of real life. While its biggest fault, and certainly the thing that really holds it back from being better, is its slight nature that prevents it from really feeling cinematic and revolutionary, none of this stops the film from being overwhelmingly touching and real. Blending brief comedic dialogue with great wit with heavy-hitting drama that strikes right at the heart of humanity and romance, Blue Jay may be a bit too slight and narrowly-focused, but is a touching and gorgeous experience nonetheless.

Shot in a beautiful black-and-white by director Alex Lehmann, Blue Jay is unexpectedly an absolutely gorgeously shot film with great usage of its lack of color. The highlight being a shot of Jim and Amanda walking away from the camera with the sun creating a sort of border around both of their silhouettes. Alongside that is a great shot from Jim's porch aimed at the sky that really blends the white of sky with the black of the night terrifically for a beautifully composed shot. At every turn, Lehmann's film makes great use of the black-and-white cinematography visually, but also thematically. Creating that nostalgic feeling of delving into one's past with this throwback style of black-and-white, Blue Jay is simultaneously a film about nostalgia and one that was made with nostalgia-tinted glasses. Turning back the clock to old school romance films about a man and a woman who come together in odd circumstances to have a brief romance, Blue Jay winds up being a nostalgia trip down memory lane for film lovers as well as romantic lovers.… Expand
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7
BrianMcCriticDec 25, 2016
A very small drama based on a day with a past love. This is really just two characters who are reconnecting and the script is very well written. You enjoy just listening to these characters and while I never got fully invested I still thinkA very small drama based on a day with a past love. This is really just two characters who are reconnecting and the script is very well written. You enjoy just listening to these characters and while I never got fully invested I still think it's worth your time. B… Expand
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9
bfoore90Sep 19, 2019
Filmed entirely in black and white with only 3 actors credited in the film, Blue Jay was an absolute revelation. The two main actors share incredible chemistry and Sarah Paulson is absolutely incredible in this. A indy gem and a must watchFilmed entirely in black and white with only 3 actors credited in the film, Blue Jay was an absolute revelation. The two main actors share incredible chemistry and Sarah Paulson is absolutely incredible in this. A indy gem and a must watch for everyone… Expand
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10
LumpbumstenDec 8, 2016
A quiet, bittersweet film with acting so natural, you feel as though a camera had been placed in the room by happenstance as it captures the interaction between our two leads. I watched this film expecting something real cheesy, and while itA quiet, bittersweet film with acting so natural, you feel as though a camera had been placed in the room by happenstance as it captures the interaction between our two leads. I watched this film expecting something real cheesy, and while it does have it's lighter, sillier moments, it's all and all very human, sometimes achingly so. If you have an hour and a half to kill and want to spend it watching something that captures the complexities and aches of a love long lost, give this little gem a shot. I believe I have found a new favourite film and seeing Sarah Paulson really shine in this role has earned her a permanent spot in my top ten favourite actors. She had impressed me with American Horror Story, but she blows me away here.… Expand
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9
mrharrybeckOct 24, 2018
'Blue Jay' is a stupendous story told with passion and great authenticity, let alone spontaneity. Kudos to Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass.
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7
FlipjeMay 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of those films you feel grateful for sitting through yet when asked if you'd give it a second glance, you might pause and consider your precious time. Not to say that Blue Jay is not agonzingly poignant and well-made. It is both. It's a solid little gem but like trying olives for the first time as a child, you know you should enjoy it more but something tells you, don't force it. The film premise promises to be direct and authentic as two former teen sweethearts awkwardly reconnect in a rustic California town. These middle-aged souls actually meet while out at the grocery store, with Amanda (Paulson) sporting a woolen cap and Jim (Duplass) looking especially disheveled in his shaggy beard. From there, all is not right in the best of all possible worlds though surfaces seem to suggest as much. Jim is in town to renovate his deceased mother's house. Amanda is visiting her sister, a new mother. Her life: she never had kids herself, instead became a step-mother to two wonderful kids. Happily married to an wonderful older man. Jim is spouse-less and childless. Things are not looking good for him in post-relationship bingo. And as an audience member, a part of you prays (secretly) at this point, when these initial admissions are spoken over coffee, let's end it there. Jim, just walk away, she's clearly got you beat but of course the movie has to happen, and the past is rehashed during the course of a single day. The poignant: revisiting the store where they bought alcohol and being recognized by the elderly owner or when the two former sweethearts rediscover tapes from their teen years when they pretended to be older or supposedly mature. I liked when Jim and Amanda were lying in the back of his truck, staring at the stars but the gut wrenching starts when they finally get to their grievances at the core of their break-up. This movie captures the difficulties of unexpressed woe and conflicted memories. As a film, it does the trick but when ideally do you watch a film like this? When is it cathartic for a viewer? This is not a Friday night, pizza night flick nor something you would want to sit through with the love of your life during moments of puppy romance. This is the real life equivalent to getting expensive wine on your shirt. You have to get through it, go through the motions of handling the mess but at least you know your taste is inpeccable.… Expand
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10
yupmarsieAug 29, 2020
I originally typed in all caps because of my intense emotion but I LOVE YOU SARAH PAULSON
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9
anjolievOct 6, 2020
Believable story with excellent improv acting. It's a slow rollercoaster through all emotions put in a beautiful way. Loved it!
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