This Closeness comes close to being many things: a claustrophobic thriller, a searing relationship drama, and an explicit exploration of desire. But just when you think it will pick a lane, it swerves. Throughout, it remains dull.
Writer-director Kit Zauhar stars as Tessa, a rising star in the ASMR community. In town with her boyfriend Ben (Zane Pais) for his high school reunion, the fun weekend reveals fractures in their relationship, caused by intense distrust and jealousy. There will be no montage of fun. Only lots of yelling, and drinking at their Airbnb.
Adding to the tension is Lizzy (Jessie Pinnick), an overly flirtatious friend of Ben's. A long conversation at the kitchen table between them and Tessa one night unearths bad memories. All of them say hurtful things. The next day Ben acts like an even bigger prick than usual, but Lizzy agrees to shoot an erotically charged video with Tessa. It's the only time the movie really comes alive. Then Lizzy exits the movie and any interest I had along with her.
Observing this all is Adam (Ian Edlund), the quiet loner who rents out his extra bedroom to the shouty couple for the weekend. At first, the film seems like Adam has twisted plans for his guests. But after hearing their intimate moments, he reaches out to Tessa for connection. It's not exactly clear if we're supposed to find his social awkwardness creepy or pitiful. But Tessa seems to enjoy it either way, enraging Ben.
These disparate elements all add up to a whole lot of nothing. None of the characters are relatable or even tolerable. Certainly that's not a requirement for a movie to succeed, and there are some elements that work. Zauhar shoots in long takes, but mistakes emotional rawness for emotional depth. Naked emotions and naked bodies alone do not a compelling film make.
This weekend from hell was unpleasant for me as a viewer, too. An hour-and-a-half with these jerks was more than enough.
