Introduction –
The interesting fact about Modern Love – Season 2 is that all the episodes are based on an essay and adapted from the New York Times column with the same title. Of course the credit for these mini stories goes to their respective writers.
Synopsis –
On a Serpentine Road, With the Top Down is the first episode based on the essay by Doris Iarovici. The episode opens up inside a community hospital where Dr. Stephanie Curran ( Minnie Driver ) is ready to leave after a hectic day. She sits behind the wheel of her vintage car, turns the ignition key but the engine fails to fire up. Within minutes a known, handsome mechanic arrives, asks her to dump ( sell ) the car because very soon it would die.
Back home, Niall ( Don Wycherley ) her second husband tells her that they need to cut down their expenses if they want to save money. While Niall agrees to sell his boat and reduce the expenditure, Stephanie reluctantly agrees to part with the car because it connects her with Michael ( Tom Burke ), her first husband. The car also reminds her of their first meeting, their love story and their long drives.
Stephanie finds a buyer for the car. But before she actually hands over the delivery she goes for a long drive, alone, and it is here we are introduced to Michael, as she chats with him as if he is alive. When she is back, the buyer is waiting with a bank draft / cheque. Back home neither her elder daughter Shannon ( Zara Devlin ) is happy with her decision to sell the car and neither is Stephanie.
Watch the first episode to know what happens to the car.
Here is a chat extract from the film which touched us – “People heal from grief, even memories fade with time, but love always lingers, sustains.”
Analysis –
Director John Carney has managed to build to strong connection between the vintage car and Stephanie. In spite of the brevity of the film, the bond seems genuine and the pain when she parts with it is captured beautifully. Short films / web episodes generally build tempo using powerful dialogs. On a Serpentine Road, With the Top Down does the same and does it with panache. Although the story lacks in terms of depth, it is suitably compensated with realistic emotional expressions. Cinematography is commendable and the settings most suitable for this kind of subject.
Year of Release – 2021 | Director – John Carney | Story – Doris Iarovici | Running Time – 35 Minutes | Availability – Amazon Prime Video