Written and directed by Adam Rehmeier, Dinner in America is an often raunchy, punk rock-fueled take on an offbeat friendship, but beneath the surface lies chaotic brilliance. The film recently screened at the Nightstream Film Festival, and had its premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
When Patty (Emily Skeggs), an oddball in every sense of the word, encounters punk rocker Simon (Kyle Gallner), who is wanted by the law, the duo are quick to form a friendship. Although Simon’s loud and anarchist personality is the total opposite of Patty’s outward sheepish demeanor, the relationship is an unconventional saving grace for both of them. While it is a coming-of-age story lined with a lot of heart, it is still an outrageous dark comedy at its core. Don’t let that warm and fuzzy wording scare you away if that isn’t your typical movie. Dinner in America does not hold back in any sense, and is an anthem for all of the misfits out there.
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With a fantastic and memorable script that is not for the easily offended, Emily Skeggs and Kyle Gallner execute it flawlessly. Both are captivating in their portrayals of Patty and Simon, who are character types we rarely see as leads. It is appreciated that Rehmeier allowed Patty and Simon to evolve in a more natural way over the course of the film, instead of taking the somewhat traditional approach of crazy characters settling into a more “normal” behavior before credits roll. From beginning to end, these two flawed characters stay true to themselves, which makes them all the more likable and relatable.
Of course, what would a film such as this be without music to match? Composer John Swihart provided a score that plays well with both the frenzy and heartfelt moments we see on-screen. As an amusing side note, there are times when Emily Skeggs’ Patty is reminiscent of Tina Majorino’s Deb from Napoleon Dynamite, which Swihart also worked on.
While Dinner in America may be too niche for mass audiences, it is certainly deserving of any success it’s sure to find. Adam Rehmeier struck gold within Emily Skeggs and Kyle Gallner, resulting in a wildly entertaining and memorable journey.
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