Evan Twohy’s latest film, "Bubble & Squeak," dives into a world where saying "cabbages" too often could potentially drive the audience to madness. It's a unique venture into nonsensical comedy that majestically manages to overlook contemporary relevance. While not all films are required to offer deep wisdom or intense self-reflection, viewers might expect at least some entertainment value, which Twohy’s absurdism seems to miss.
Filmed mainly in Estonia to depict an unnamed, miniscule Slavic nation, "Bubble & Squeak" starts with an unusual premise. An American couple newly wedded is held on suspicion of smuggling cabbages, a vegetable prohibited in that nation. The eccentric Steven Yeun conducts their interrogation. The couple, Declan (played by Himesh Patel of “Yesterday”) and Delores (Sarah Goldberg from “Barry”), show no indication of mutual understanding or affection.
The majority of the movie's dialogue is delivered in a monotonous tone, with the exception of Matt Berry's character, Shazbor, whose dialogues bear a strong resemblance to Werner Herzog's legendary Germanic accent. As the intimidating chief of local customs enforcement, Shazbor's utterances regarding destroying tobacco add a surreal touch to the film.
Twohy, as he confessed at the film's festival premiere, has been developing "Bubble & Squeak" since his teenage years. The journey took him through Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters Lab and the coveted selection for the Sundance Film Festival competition. Still, the finished product appears less polished and impactful.
The interrogation room scene presents Declan and Delores casually chatting about their honeymoon destination amidst the tension. The couple manages to escape into the adjacent forest when their interrogator steps out of the room, kick-starting their wild journey. The script unwraps the fact that Declan is a cautious man with a keen sense on life's transience, while Delores thrives on adventure; a dynamic reflecting Twohy's examination of how couples function.
In case it wasn't clear, the central focus of "Bubble & Squeak" isn't cabbages. Yet they are the recurring motif, even as the film attempts to portray the relationship between the central characters. The introduction of eccentric characters, like the cabbage smuggler Norman (played by Dave Franco) in a bear costume, further complicates the plotline, while questioning the durability of the couple's union.
Despite being disappointingly monotonous, "Bubble & Squeak" does stand out in the ocean of independent comedies. However, Twohy ought to find his unique touch rather than mimicking reputed directors like Wes Anderson, evident in the quirky details and stylized world he creates. To develop his directorial signature, the "Rushmore" director's influence needs to be less of an imitation and more of inspiration. Hopefully, with time, Twohy will find his perfect filmmaking balance, perhaps with less reliance on cabbage.
