Watch Concussion

Concussion is a 2013 independent drama film directed by Stacie Passon and featuring Robin Weigert in the lead role, with notable performances by Maggie Siff and Johnathan Tchaikovsky. The film delves into the life of Abby, played by Weigert, a middle-aged lesbian who is married with two children and lives a comfortable suburban lifestyle. The movie's title references both a physical and metaphorical transformation that the main character undergoes, leading to a stirring exploration of self-discovery, desire, and the constraints of domesticity.

The story begins with Abby experiencing a dramatic wake-up call following a concussion caused by her son's accidental hit to her head with a baseball. This incident serves as the catalyst for Abby to re-evaluate her life, which on the surface seems idyllic but is devoid of the passion and excitement she once cherished. The film cleverly plays on the theme of concussion as both a physical ailment and a metaphor for the jarring realization that her life has diverged from her expectations.

Robin Weigert's portrayal of Abby is nuanced and complex. Abby is a woman who has fulfilled many of the roles expected of her - dutiful wife to her attorney wife, played by Julie Fain Lawrence, caring mother to her kids, and competent house renovator. Yet she feels unfulfilled and disconnected from the woman she once aspired to be. Amid the suburban landscapes, Abby's internal turmoil is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, and Weigert's performance invites the audience to share in her journey of self-discovery.

As Abby seeks to find something missing in her life, she embarks on a secret double life in a very unconventional manner. By day, she is the ordinary suburban mom managing renovations of her loft in Manhattan, while by night, she becomes a high-end escort, naming herself Eleanor, diving into a world of sexual exploration and gratification. The film does not shy away from exploring her dual existence, delving into the consequences of her actions on her sense of identity, her marriage, and her role within the family.

Maggie Siff wonderfully plays Sam Bennet, a woman Abby becomes intimately involved with as Eleanor. Siff's character brings an additional layer of complexity and shine to the narrative. Through this character, the film explores themes of longing, the search for authenticity, and the societal expectations imposed on modern women. Johnathan Tchaikovsky provides a compelling performance as Justin, Abby's younger, carefree handyman, who inadvertently discovers her secret and becomes a confidante of sorts.

Concussion skillfully navigates between scenes of Abby's everyday life, fraught with the monotony of routine, and her exhilarating, risky nightlife, framing her quest for identity against a backdrop of familial and societal pressures. The cinematography emphasizes contrasts: the stark, well-ordered spaces of Abby's suburban home versus the vibrant and sometimes chaotic energy of New York City, enhancing the thematic division within her life.

The film dives into Abby's inner world and her relationships with insightful dialogue and engaging character development. It challenges viewers to contemplate their values and the many roles they are required to play. Viewers may find themselves identifying with Abby's desire to reconnect with a part of herself that has been neglected or forgotten in the pursuit of stability and security.

Beyond focusing solely on Abby's character, Concussion meaningfully portrays the dynamics of her marriage and the impact of her decisions on those closest to her. The tension between personal fulfillment and commitment to others is rendered with sincerity, avoiding simple resolutions or clichéd storytelling. The movie resists the urge to moralize, instead presenting a candid and unjudgmental exploration of a woman's journey to reconcile her internal desires with external expectations.

What makes Concussion particularly notable is its layered approach to storytelling. It not only touches on themes of sexuality and self-realization but also encapsulates the universal struggle of attempting to redefine oneself amidst the noise of life's obligations. The movie doesn't strictly adhere to the conventional plot development one might expect, thereby engaging the audience to think deeper about the characters' motivations and the implications of their choices.

In summary, Concussion is a film that portrays a deep and poignant narrative, driven by strong lead performances, especially from Robin Weigert. The storytelling is compelling, inviting a reflection on identity, desire, and the complexities of modern relationships. Passon's film is both an intimate character study and a broader commentary on the yearning for personal reawakening within the restrictive frameworks of contemporary life. Audiences who appreciate films that present authentic, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant experiences will likely find Concussion to be a rewarding and insightful watch.

Concussion is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 56.