It may have been marketed as a serious drama or at one point even an awards contender, but it’s clear that the new film Labor Day was never intended for Oscar glory. In fact, it marks a complete departure from the previous and acclaimed work of director Jason Reitman (Juno, Young Adult). Clearly positioned as a Valentine’s Day date option, his newest is a straight-forward, soapy romance flick. It’s sentimental and sappy, but it also attempts to establish a distinct mood and feeling. While it doesn’t always work, at least the film aspires to be more than what one would be expect of it.
Set in 1987, the story is told from the point of view of Henry (Gattlin Griffith), a teenager living in a small Massachusetts town with his severely depressed mother (Kate Winslet). After encountering a escaped convict (Josh Brolin) on the run from authorities, their lives are turned upside down. While initially terrified, a bond begins to form and relationships develop. Soon, the stranger appears to be serving as both surrogate father and husband. But with the police closing in and neighbors dropping by unexpectedly, how long can this visitor evade detection?
Much of the film revolves around the guest doing household chores and lengthier sequences detailing the finer points of cooking. It’s all played out in a very quiet, low key manner, almost taking a page from films like Brief Encounter. The leads bring gravity to their roles and certainly give it their all. However, some of the more heartfelt dialogue feels something out of a romance paperback – it’s amazing that the cast manages to motor through it without garnering belly laughs.
Surprisingly, the character of Henry keeps the proceedings from veering completely out of hand. An awkward teen struggling with his hormones, many of his exchanges with parents and friends result in the film’s highpoints. His strained interactions with a local girl, which result in the boy receiving some less-than-advisable suggestions, lend much needed humor and conflict to the story. Frankly, the storyline involving the youth feels far more authentic than the romantic plot. It’s also a beautifully shot movie, saturated in fall colors and with a few amusing nods to the 80’s in the production design.
Additionally, there are a couple of tense moments as visitors arrive, forcing the mother and boy to keep their houseguest hidden. However, after the climax unfolds and the mood changes, the movie attempts soap opera theatrics once again, resulting in an finale that doesn’t elicit the waterworks that it desires to.
Labor Day is certainly flawed and doesn’t quite hit the mark, but there are some interesting touches and quirks between the melodramatic passages that set it slightly above its contemporaries. In the end, it’s a borderline call. For most, this pie will have been left cooking in the oven too long. However, those who do have a taste for unrequited love stories may enjoy a slice.