Watch Year of the Carnivore

Year of the Carnivore is a 2009 coming-of-age romantic comedy directed by Sook-Yin Lee. The film stars Cristin Milioti in the lead role of Sammy Smalls, a quirky, enthusiastic, and somewhat awkward young woman from Vancouver who works at a grocery store as a security guard. Mark Rendall plays Eugene Zaslavsky, a bandleader and music store employee whom Sammy develops a crush on after several chance encounters. Ali Liebert appears as Debbie, Sammy's best friend and confidante.

The plot of the movie follows Sammy's attempts to understand and explore her own sexuality. She's a virgin in her early twenties, and after a failed attempt to seduce her boss, she becomes obsessed with the idea of learning how to please a man in bed. She decides that the best way to do this is by sleeping with a lot of different guys and learning from their experiences. As she begins to pursue this goal, she becomes more and more confident and discovers new aspects of her own personality and sexuality.

One of the major plot points of the film involves Sammy's relationship with Eugene. After several awkward encounters, she finally works up the courage to ask him out, and they begin a tentative but sweet romance. Sammy is still pursuing her sexual education, however, and Eugene becomes increasingly worried that he won't be able to satisfy her or live up to her expectations. As they grow closer, Sammy must confront the fact that her sexual desires and her emotional needs may not be compatible.

Throughout the film, Sammy interacts with a variety of other characters who help her on her journey of self-discovery. Debbie is her closest friend, and they share many intimate conversations about sex and love. Other supporting characters include a group of punk rockers who hang out at Sammy's store, a wise old lady who dispenses advice, and Sammy's mother, who is overprotective but ultimately supportive.

The visual style of Year of the Carnivore is bright, colorful, and playful. There are many quirky touches, such as cartoonish sound effects during montages and a comic book-like visual motif. The film balances its light, comedic tone with more serious moments of introspection and self-discovery. The soundtrack features a mix of indie rock and punk music, with particular emphasis on Canadian artists.

One of the standout aspects of Year of the Carnivore is its lead performance by Cristin Milioti. She imbues Sammy with a unique blend of vulnerability and strength, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. Mark Rendall provides a charming foil to her character, and their chemistry is palpable onscreen. Ali Liebert is also excellent as Debbie, providing a grounded and compassionate presence throughout the film.

Overall, Year of the Carnivore is a funny, charming, and heartfelt exploration of one young woman's journey towards self-discovery. Its irreverent sense of humor and visual flair make it stand out from other romantic comedies, while its themes of sexuality and identity resonate deeply. Fans of indie cinema and unconventional love stories will find much to enjoy here.