KiKi Layne stars as a struggling musician who meets a rakish Scottish singer (Thomas Doherty) while on the road.
Nicole Riegel’s “Dandelion” is a lyrical film in a couple of senses. It’s about a pivotal stretch of time for a Midwestern musician named Dandelion (KiKi Layne), whose experiences will probably inform the lyrics she will write and sing. And it’s filmed in an artful way that tunes into her sensations and feelings — not just at moments of outright drama, but also the many notes in between.
The movie begins in Cincinnati, where Dandelion has a standing gig at a cavernous hotel bar, playing background music for the gabby patrons. Then she goes home and works more, as the caretaker of her ailing mother, Jean (Melanie Nicholls-King).
After they have an especially nasty argument, Dandelion drives off, all the way to an open-mic contest in South Dakota. There she meets a rakish Scottish singer, Casey (Thomas Doherty), who brings her into his circle of jamming friends and also flirts madly. (The song credits include Bryce and Aaron Dessner of the National.)
You may think you’ve heard this song before — two musicians tumble into love and duets — but maybe not quite like Riegel arranges it. Their time together — nature walks, motorcycle rides, cuddling — really does feel like time they spend together, rather than some perfectly staged romantic vision. Moments between them can be warm, silent, awkward or serene. Riegel and the cinematographer, Lauren Guiteras, use the camera like a vessel for Dandelion’s sense memories.
The cleareyed movie also nails how one can initially overlook a lover’s deception. In the end, “Dandelion” feels like one artist’s emotional prequel, leaving us wishing for even more.
Dandelion
Rated R for sexuality, nudity and sharp language. Running time: 1 hour 53 minutes. In theaters.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
