MELROSE

Cinemavixion Review

Soren James's 2018 independent film "Melrose" offers a vibrant and unapologetically millennial take on the Los Angeles experience, drawing comparisons to modern classics like "La La Land" and "500 Days of Summer," albeit with a more frenetic and unhinged sensibility. Produced with a shoestring budget and a remarkably young crew, the film is a testament to raw, uncompromised artistic vision. James, who also penned the script, delivers a cinematic experience that is as dark and hilarious as it is heartbreaking and spontaneous. The performances from debut actors Drew Koles, Jinny Ryann, and Merlin Froyd are notably strong, with Ryann and Koles earning accolades for their unforgettable turns. The film is further elevated by its evocative soundtrack, sharp cinematography, and dynamic editing, including a clever use of long takes that immerses the viewer in the chaotic rollercoaster of twenties life. While its IMDb rating stands at 5.0/10, "Melrose" is hailed as an authentic and energetic debut, a colorful blast of a movie that captures the zeitgeist with its unique blend of humor and pathos.