After months of anticipation, I finally caught Joanna Arnow‘s latest feature, The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed, which I’ve been looking forward to after seeing that Richard Brody placed it on his list of standout films from 2024. Here’s a film that captures the oxymoronic idea of being enjoyable in an ordinary setting. It picks up speed for a few minutes before returning to the monotony of every day; you are so close to the protagonist yet so far and in this distance lies the comedic potential of the film. 

The plot is pretty straightforward. Ann (Arnow), a gloomy and unsociable New Yorker in her 30s, comes to a stark realization: she feels stuck in nearly every aspect of her life. She’s been in a long-term “casual” BDSM relationship that no longer satisfies her, her low-level corporate job feels increasingly meaningless, and her tumultuous Jewish family feels more distant than she ever expected. As Ann grapples with this growing sense of alienation, she attempts to reconnect with herself and her relationships. The film is filled with a series of episodes with self-deprecating humor put together via sharp cuts, making it an exploration of personal stagnation and the complexities of human connection. In this exploration, Arnow showcases a powerful blend of acting and direction that leaves a lasting impact.

It’s refreshing to see films that approach sexual intimacy and nudity with a sense of nonchalance and everyday realism. The sexual scenes in The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed are anything but erotic or sensual; they are portrayed with such awkwardness that they become humorous. This unvarnished depiction adds a layer of authenticity, making the moments relatable and funny in their discomfort. Arnow isn’t trying to make the sex scenes appear provocative—the sex is not sexy; it is normal.  

Throughout the film, Arnow expertly focuses on the minutiae of Ann’s life: her outdated phone, the clothes that never quite fit right, her bangs in dire need of a trim, and even her undusted microwave. These elements paint a vivid picture of Ann’s struggles and evoke a sense of familiarity. As we watch her navigate the dullness of her routine, we find ourselves reflecting on our own lives, often bitterly wondering, “Oh, is that relatable?” 

The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed reflects the poignant scenes that capture the nuances of everyday life. One standout moment occurs when the protagonist, Ann, goes on vacation with her aging parents. This scene resonates deeply, showcasing the often awkward and strained dynamics of family relationships. 

“You said I am not spending time with you,” Ann tells her mother, encapsulating a sentiment that many can relate to. Their conversations are filled with uncomfortable silences, punctuated by the most mundane topics—like packing bananas for the trip or obsessively flossing ten times a day. These seemingly trivial details serve to highlight Ann’s monotonous existence, filled with the weight of unfulfilled aspirations.

Ultimately, The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed captures a bittersweet truth about life’s small moments. While Ann appears to be losing in the grand scheme, it’s in those tiny, everyday instances that Arnow finds the humor and humanity that elicit empathy and a knowing laugh. This film is a testament to the beauty found in the mundane, which will resonate with an audience that has a taste for cinema that questions existing conventions; stories that are twisted yet picked from the everyday; and outlandish characters.   

In essence, the film deftly employs irony to illuminate the anxieties that permeate our daily existence. It offers a refreshing reinterpretation of a familiar narrative, infused with a touch of embarrassment and self-deprecating humor that adds depth to its exploration of modern life. In fact, the film is very well a testament to Arnow’s talent, as her clever writing and vibrant performance make her an actor-director to lookout for.

Review Courtesy of Anjani Chadha

Feature Image Credit to Magnolia Pictures via The Movie Buff