What I liked
The theater craftmanship! Ghost VXF, passage of time, intelligent use of space, the simple but practical use of decor and props. Really smart and dynamic blocking. I felt like I was in their living room with them.
Jose and Lex’s performances. José’s physicality changes as Breath ages and it was very well done by the actor. Lex’s mischievous charisma makes Ghost a very compelling and entertaining foil to José’s straight man.
Eli’s amazing writing! This is a very intelligent, smart, sweet, funny, entertaining screenplay that tackles a relationship that spans a lifetime.
That hug!!!!!!!!!!! It was so earned!
What I didn't like
José’s performance in the first scene and beginning of second scene of the script was a little too angry and did not allow the audience to relax into the tone and humor of the piece and the banter between Breath and Ghost. It also started at a 7 so there’s only so much way to go emotionally if they are upset with each other. While grounded in the reality of how recent the grief is, a lighter performance would allow the audience to relax into the tone and also to show growth and change as things become tense later on. If there’s room, and openness from the director, consider adjusting the opening.
Lex’s mini monologue after the hair dye scene. Felt like a break in tone and did not have enough valuable emotional information driving the shift. Not a big deal, but feels like it’s not really needed. However, there’s an aging transition happening so maybe can’t be cut because they need to fill the gap.
My overall impression
Excellent performances elevate Eli Barraza’s stellar writing.
A beautiful and funny exploration of platonic love through time, life and death.
