Watch Audrey the Trainwreck

Audrey the Trainwreck is a quirky comedy-drama film directed by Frank V. Ross and released in 2010. The movie portrays the life of Audrey, a young woman in her mid-20s, who is struggling to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life. The film is a character study that explores the experience of growing up, the complexities of human relationships, and the disappointment that comes with unfulfilled dreams.

Audrey (played by Sybil) is a creative writer who aspires to make a name for herself in the literary world. However, she is struggling with writer's block and works in a day job as a waitress to make ends meet. In her personal life, Audrey is reckless and impulsive, prone to drinking and sleeping with men she barely knows. She has a strained relationship with her older brother Arnaud (played by Nathan Adloff), who is more responsible and stable in comparison but has his own issues with alcoholism.

The movie opens with Audrey taking a break from her mundane routine to attend a party where she meets a charming and carefree musician named Lenny (Anthony J. Baker). The two share a bond over music, and Audrey is immediately smitten with him. However, their relationship is constantly threatened by Audrey's self-destructive tendencies, and Lenny's inability to take their bond seriously.

As the story progresses, Audrey faces several setbacks in her life, including job loss and a fractured relationship with her friend and confidante Maura (played by W. M. Bacon). However, Lenny's influence in her life proves to be a double-edged sword. While he encourages her to be more creative and pursue her writing, his own lack of ambition and detachment from reality serve as a constant reminder of Audrey's own shortcomings.

The film's primary focus is Audrey's journey of self-discovery and her attempts to come to terms with her dysfunctional family, her struggles as a writer and her turbulent love life. The movie is characterized by its honest depiction of life in the working-class suburbs of Chicago, devoid of any glamorization or melodrama.

The performances from the cast are honest and natural, avoiding any semblance of exaggeration or caricature. Sybil delivers a nuanced performance as Audrey, effortlessly portraying the character's vulnerability and impulsivity. Her chemistry with Anthony J. Baker's Lenny is palpable, making their exchanges both engaging and heartwarming. Nathan Adloff's Arnaud is a standout, providing a reliable anchor in the midst of the chaos that surrounds Audrey.

The film's cinematography is understated yet effective, with Frank V. Ross relying on close-up shots and natural lighting to convey the subdued emotions of the characters. The narrative is slow-paced, allowing the audience to invest themselves in the characters' journeys and empathize with their struggles.

While Audrey the Trainwreck could be considered a coming-of-age film, it doesn't rely on the traditional tropes of the genre. Rather, it's a realistic portrayal of the challenges that young adults face in their personal and professional lives. It's a movie that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, but still manages to leave the audience feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future.

Overall, Audrey the Trainwreck is a refreshing take on the romantic comedy-drama, offering a grounded and relatable portrayal of human relationships. It's a movie that provides a simple yet profound message: Life may be messy and unpredictable, but it's the moments of connection and love that make it all worthwhile.