Joey Magidson
There’s a charm to Fantasy Life that harkens back to an older time in independent cinema. Once, it was far less unusual to see a character actor make his or her filmmaking debut with a little indie dramedy set in New York City. It almost felt like a rite of passage for a certain type of actor or actress. Now? We don’t see it as often, and when we do, they’re not given much attention. So, it’s a credit to this film that it feels of an older time, while still deserving its own place in the modern world. It’s not the world’s most ambitious movie, but it is certainly an effective one.
Fantasy Life is a charming little film, working as a calling card for actor turned filmmaker Matthew Shear. The flick also wisely works, ultimately, as a showcase for Amanda Peet in a way that she almost never gets. It’s a selfless act from Shear, who is the star, though wisely not the sole focus. By the end of the movie, you’re invested in both characters, though Peet presents the most vibrant element, without question.
Sam (Shear) is a law school dropout who deals with anxiety and panic attacks. We meet him as he loses his job as a paralegal at a firm, which is shortly followed by a very public panic attack. Having long dealt with these mental health issues, he goes to his longtime therapist Fred (Judd Hirsch), who tries to put him at ease. After one such session, Fred’s receptionist wife, who has watched Sam for years, offers him a babysitting job. Almost without understanding, he accepts, introduced to Fred’s granddaughters, as well as their parents, the aloof wannabe rock star dad David (Alessandro Nivola), but more notably, their actress mother Diane (Peet).
As Sam settles into his new job, he still has panic attacks, yet begins to bond with Diane, whose career has been stagnant but is trying for a comeback. Their friendship threatens to bloom into something more, which only comes to David’s attention late in the game. While on a family trip to Martha’s Vineyard, things boil over, which throws everyone for a loop. There isn’t a lot of plot here, as it’s mostly vibes, but watching Diane and Sam interact is a consistent pleasure.
Matthew Shear may be the lead, and he’s very solid, but it’s Amanda Peet who rules the day. Once she comes on the screen, it becomes her show, as she plays the actress as an incredibly complex character. There’s clearly lots on the page for her, but she’s also elevating the material with a take on a person she certainly has responded to. Shear is a likable schlub, which is needed here, but Peet absolutely shines. Alessandro Nivola is an enjoyable low-key jerk, while Judd Hirsch is very amusing. Supporting players here include Bob Balaban, Jessica Harper, Zosia Mamet, Andrea Martin, Holland Taylor, and more, but it’s Peet who you’ll focus in on.
Writer/director Matthew Shear showcases some nice filmmaking chops, especially in how generous he is to Amanda Peet’s Diane. Shear’s script correctly sees Diane as the best character, as opposed to needing his own Sam role to be the biggest, with good results. His direction is fairly simple, yet rightly focuses in on the best elements. With good pacing and a clever place to wrap things up, it shows that Shear has got the goods. If Fantasy Life is indicative of what he’ll do behind the camera, I’m down for his follow-up.
Fantasy Life won’t be confused for a groundbreaking work, but it does enough to make you interested in what Shear does next, while also making you yearn for Peet to get another plum role real soon. Moreover, it reminds you that a movie like this didn’t used to be so rare, given the low risk and decently high reward.
SCORE: ★★★
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