Watch Bongwater

Bongwater is a movie from 1998, directed by Richard Sears and starring Luke Wilson, Alicia Witt, and Amy Locane. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Hornburg and successfully manages to capture the essence of the slacker culture that permeated the late 90s. The story follows David (Wilson) and Serena (Witt), two stoners who live in a rundown apartment in New York City. They spend their days getting high, making comic strips, and dreaming of making it big with their art. Serena is a sexually liberated woman who is always on the lookout for new conquests, while David is more laid-back, displaying a laissez-faire attitude towards most things in life, including relationships.

One day, David meets a vibrant and quirky woman named Mary (Locane), who works at a record store. There is an instant attraction between them, and despite their different personalities, they hit it off. Mary is vivacious and unpredictable, bringing a new energy to David's life. However, things get complicated when Serena develops feelings for David, leading to a love triangle between the three of them.

As the story unfolds, the characters navigate through their personal lives while trying to figure out what they really want. David struggles with his commitment issues, feeling torn between his love for Mary and his loyalty to Serena. Serena, on the other hand, is slated to move to Los Angeles soon, leaving David behind. Mary throws a wrench in their plans, and the characters confront their insecurities, fears, and desires.

The film has a unique style, blending humor, satire, and drama in a way that feels authentic to the world it portrays. The characters are flawed, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately, relatable. The cinematography stands out, depicting the grungy streets of New York as a haven for counterculture, complete with quirky characters, underground clubs, and of course, the titular bongwater.

One of the film's strengths is its soundtrack, featuring artists such as Beck, Son Volt, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. The music adds to the film's atmosphere, creating a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Bongwater is not for everyone, as its slow pace and lack of traditional narrative structure may put off some viewers. However, for those who enjoy character-driven indie films, this is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. The film captures a specific moment in time, a time when alternative culture was celebrated, and the slacker mentality was embraced.

In conclusion, Bongwater is a quirky film that explores love, sex, and the search for something meaningful in a world that often feels shallow and meaningless. Its cast delivers solid performances, the direction is on point, and the soundtrack is excellent. While it may not be for everybody, those who are willing to give it a chance may find a film that speaks to them on a personal level.

Bongwater is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.