It Hits You When You Know It

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Eric C This starts off like a sitcom with jokes aplenty, and then settles into a soul-searching drama in the second half. It's a smooth transition because we see that the humor has been a cover for what's really meaningful in these characters' lives - as is often the case with ourselves. The Big Chill style ensemble is excellent. I couldn't help wondering if there was extensive rehearsal time because the actors have wonderful chemistry and comedic timing. If there's a standout, it's Phylicia Wissa as the struggling writer and jilted ex-girlfriend, Nicole. She has a low opinion of herself, which is ironic because the actress playing her is a stunner. Elisa Manzini's script is consistently sharp and funny, reminiscent of the classic sitcom Friends. Set almost exclusively at a vacation home on the coast, it's never dull. Sparks, insults and trenchant observations are always flying. This is a finely tuned and ultimately moving comedic drama with a poignant ending. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/19/23 Full Review NW B Writer/producer Elisa Manzini's "It Hits You When You Know It" has a classic "kammerspiel" set-up: 6 people, most of whom have known each other for a long time, gather in an isolated country house for a weekend to celebrate the wedding of their mutual friend. When Julia, the bride (who is seen only in photographs) has a medical scare, the crucible of close quarters and concern over their friend leads to revelations and discoveries that cause each of them to interrogate their own life choices and those of the others in often brutal and nuanced ways. Director Devon Armstrong expertly maintains an ensemble balance, but the excellence of the this film really lies in Manzini's writing and the uniformly strong cast, led by Phylicia Wissa's anchoring role as a journeywoman writer, Nicole, who grapples with finding a balance between her personal loneliness and an artist's need for solitude and Phillip Musumeci's self-flagellating Jimmy, a talented gay musician with a penchant for revealing too much when he drinks. Manzini's thoughtful cast design is buttressed by Roger Payano's Type-A lawyer Ted who struggles to give his outgoing but inconstant fiancé, Mary (Cameron McCormick) what she needs in their relationship and is rounded out by Adam (Anthony J. Tremé), a charming loser and Nicole's ex, who once again finds himself letting down a smart, beautiful woman who loves him: Veronica, the film's only newcomer to the group, played with a lot of panache by Keila Dolle. A warm cameo from Bruce Nehlsen as Steve, the father of the bride adds some multi-generational perspective to this early millennial (or late GenX?) group, and indeed, by the end we find that Manzini has expertly steered us through a gently humorous, but deep exploration of old friends grappling with their life paths. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

It Hits You When You Know It

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