"Stress Positions," the summer 2020 indie comedy by first-time writer-director-star Theda Hammel, may not initially strike as a pleasing watch. Its bold narrative plunges us back into the early COVID-19 period-a time many may be unwilling to relive, particularly through the lens of comedy, and overflows with self-obsessed and generally annoying characters.
The story revolves around Terry (John Early), who plans to endure the pandemic in his ex-spouse Leo's (John Roberts) Brooklyn brownstone, with Bahlul (Qaher Harhash), his 19-year-old Moroccan nephew and male model - who is nursing a broken leg following a scooter mishap. Terry's obsessive protection protocols and his efforts to hide the house's colorful past resonate with some viewers, while others find it an overreach.
Terry's choice to shelter a mysterious male model stirs interest within his social circle. His transgender lesbian friend Karla (Hammel) visits to acquaint herself with Bahlul and escape Vanessa (Amy Zimmer), her spouse who built her first novel stealing from Karla's life. As Terry's suspicion amplifies, Karla endeavors to bond with Bahlul and aid his self-discovery.
The film excels in its early stages, with Hammel setting off on a cheery, absurd note. As the narrative progresses, however, the humor becomes overstretched with excessive simultaneous storylines, diverse characters, recurring punchlines, essentially turning into an unsuccessful attempt at farcical comedy.
Another critical drawback is that most characters seem to one-up one another in narcissism and overall unpleasantness. Bahlul remains the only likable character, with his comical and subtle disapproval of his admirers' shallowness. The film could have been more engaging had it focused more on this aspect rather than the escalating chaotic scenes.
