Watch Suck It Up

Suck It Up is a captivating and poignant drama-comedy from 2017 that follows the poignant journey of two young women, Ronnie (Erin Margurite Carter), and Faye (Grace Glowicki), as they traverse through their griefs and personal turmoils. Ronnie and Faye are polar opposites, yet they share a deep bond forged by tragedy. Ronnie, a sprightly and free-spirited bartender, is grappling with the sudden loss of her beloved brother, Garrett. In contrast, Faye, a mousy and anxious introvert, is struggling to deal with a failed romantic relationship and severe depression. Despite the gulf between their personalities, Ronnie and Faye set out on a road trip to the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia to make sense of their lives and find solace in each other's company.

The film begins with a series of montages that capture the essence of Ronnie and Garrett's relationship, which was built on shared laughter, inside jokes, and a boundless sense of adventure. However, the idyllic flashback sequences are interspersed with the grim reality of Ronnie's life post her brother's death. She's numbing her pain with alcohol and an unhealthy dose of escapism. Meanwhile, Faye is lying motionless on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, unable to find any reason to move on. She's consumed by debilitating thoughts of worthlessness and hopelessness, and nothing seems to provide any relief.

Enter Ronnie's boisterous and larger-than-life best friend, Ben (Dan Beirne), who urges her to take a break from her self-destructive behavior and embark on a journey of self-discovery. He convinces her that it's the perfect time to visit Faye, who's holed up in her family cabin in a remote town in the Rockies. After some initial reluctance, Ronnie agrees to venture on the arduous trip to reunite with her dear friend.

Once they start their journey, the film takes a refreshingly unconventional turn. Instead of being a run-of-the-mill 'road trip' movie, Suck It Up chooses to delve deeper into its characters' psyches and explore the nuances of grief and depression. The stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains provides an evocative and emotive backdrop to their cathartic conversations and moments of introspection. Along the way, Ronnie and Faye meet several interesting characters, including a pot-smoking hippie, a hunky bar owner, and a quirky bartender, who each teaches them a valuable lesson about life and love.

Despite the film's heavy themes, it's engaging and heartwarming. The witty banter between Ronnie and Faye provides a much-needed respite from the gloom, and their chemistry is both convincing and charming. The supporting cast is equally impressive; Dan Beirne's portrayal of Ben infuses the film with comic relief, and his friendship with Ronnie is the film's most endearing aspect.

Suck It Up is a triumph of independent filmmaking. Its direction, cinematography, and screenplay are all top-notch. The film's pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' journeys. The movie boasts an impressive soundtrack, featuring indie music from artists like Broken Social Scene and Dan Mangan, which perfectly complements the story's tenor.

Overall, Suck It Up is an emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted film that deals with complex themes with grace and sensitivity. It's a must-watch for anyone who has experienced loss, heartbreak, or mental illness. The movie doesn't offer any easy answers or cliched solutions, but it does offer hope through the power of friendship and human connection.

Suck It Up is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.