It’s the summer of ’85 and writer-director Spencer Zender is transporting us to the seasides of Southern California. Soaking up the sun and waves is Bo (Ryan Winn), a star swimmer who is on the precipice of manhood. His world, however, takes an unexpected turn when his mother Karen (Allison Byrnes) reveals he was never adopted by one of his fathers, forcing him on a journey of self-discovery.
What’s My Name Again? is an impressive debut from Spencer Zender whose beautifully woven narrative explores themes of angst, identity, and chosen family told through the backdrop of vintage cars, cassette tapes, drugs, booze, and retro fashion. Zender establishes the film’s tone and aesthetic within the opening frames and dialogue and never loses sight of it.
His characters are layered and flawed, brought to life by an extraordinary ensemble whose performances are equally as nuanced. Ryan Winn is the perfect leading man to tackle the complexities of Bo’s past, present, and future. While Bo himself comes off a bit arrogant and cocky and is often the cause of his own misfortunes, which could make him unlikable, it’s Winn who ultimately makes Bo someone that audiences root for.
While Bo’s story is at the center of this coming-of-age dramedy, the supporting cast is given ample room to flourish and thrive. Nick Schultz, who plays Bo’s best friend Griff, brings emotional depth to a young man struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in a time when these discussions were more taboo. It’s in the subtle moments of Schultz’s delivery where audiences truly feel Griff’s inner turmoil and everything he is grappling with. Allison Byrnes shines as Bo’s over-the-top and abrasive mother. Their mother-son relationship is unlike anything you’ve seen in cinema, and you’re never quite sure what Karen’s about to say. While some one-liners work better than others, it’s Byrnes’ comedic timing that’s unmatched.
Overall, What’s My Name Again? rides the perfect wave of nostalgia and emotions. Its poignant message of embracing who you are, what you have, and those around you will resonate with audiences long after the credits have rolled.
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