Ethan Coen of the famed Coen Brothers presents us with a wildly entertaining journey with his latest film, 'Drive-Away Dolls.' This comedic flick holds a taste of the familiarly zany essence that charmed so many in films such as “Burn After Reading” or “Hail, Caesar!”. Teaming up with his spouse and screenwriter, Tricia Cooke, Ethan Coen directs this full-throttle film which effectively balances between the crime-centered storytelling exemplified in “Fargo,” and the laughable law-breaking of “Burn After Reading.”
The fun-filled film brings to focus two friends embarking on a road trip to Tallahassee, sending a wave of bemusement as they navigate through a series of twists, raucous events, and a slew of intriguingly odd sex toys. Among these eclectic characters, the often stern and pistol-packing cop Sukie, brilliantly performed by Beanie Feldstein, introduces her eyebrow-raising inheritance, a unique wall-mounted dildo, following a heartache caused by her ex-lover's infidelity.
The rainbow of characters continue with the daring Jamie, a sexually exploratory character brought to life by Margaret Qualley, who persuades her introverted and straight-laced best friend Marian (masterfully portrayed by Geraldine Viswanathan) into a spontaneous journey loaded with pit stops at renowned lesbian bars, supermarkets, and motels.
The film, set in the 1999 Y2K era, lends an aesthetic devoid of the cell phone distractions and social media frenzy we see in modern times. This allows the women to lay out a simple heist plan of inspecting and driving away with a specific vehicle, transporting it to Tallahassee. A mix-up in the plan introduces an enigmatic collector (Pedro Pascal) and a pair of small-scale criminals, leading to a hilarious chain of events coined in the essence of the Coen vision.
While the camera playfully switches between Marian and Jamie’s pilfered Dodge Aries and the felons' trailing vehicle, granting the audience the pleasure of not one but two duos of contrasting and squabbling road trip companions. The chemistry between Jamie and Marian is a stand-out aspect, with Qualley’s effervescent energy and Viswanathan’s quietly emerging boldness striking the perfect balance.
With a collection of supporting characters including Feldstein’s arresting cop Sukie, Matt Damon’s conservative politician, and Colman Domingo’s villainous mastermind, the film is a treasure trove of unforgettable performances.
One may make comparisons of 'Drive-Away Dolls' to previous idiosyncratic crime capers including those of the Coen Brothers, but the nostalgic pleasure that it draws out of the audience remains unparalleled. Cooke and Coen’s writing maintains a fun-loving and risk-taking spirit that shines from the pages onto the screen, sprinkling vibrancy and audaciousness all through the cinematic experience. Unexpectedly, amidst the chaos and high energy of the road trip, the film delivers a sweet and romantic aftertaste, a testament to its unswerving dedication to feminine intelligence and delights. 'Drive-Away Dolls' certainly brings back the Coen formula with a bang.
