With a plot bordering on the surreal, “The Automatic Hate” is one of the most interesting and intriguing family dramas I’ve seen in a while.
The story begins when Davis (Joseph Cross) is visited by a cousin he never knew he had, Alexis (Adelaide Clemens). The discovery of an entire hidden half of his family leads Davis to investigate what happened to create a rift between his father (Richard Schiff – Toby Zeigler from “The West Wing”) and uncle (Ricky Jay). As the mystery unravels, Davis’ relationship with his cousin deepens to a dangerous level, and his attempts to reunite his family prove disastrous at best.
While not too complex, the tension and intricacy of the plot would do writers like William Faulkner proud. In fact, with the exception of the upstate New York setting, it feels like a classic Southern Gothic narrative. “The Automatic Hate” flirts with madness, but also has a droll wit that keeps it from becoming overly serious. Though dark and occasionally menacing, the movie is funnier than you would think, particularly thanks to the casting.
Cross and Clemens are both engaging enough as the main characters, but the best parts of the movie are those with Schiff and Jay. Both actors are masters of understatement and portray the grudge between them superbly with barely concealed rage.
The conflict around which “The Automatic Hate” revolves is a difficult one, and most viewers will find it hard to pick a side. Nevertheless, the movie presents an edgy, but amusing, take on taboos and family bonds.
ngonzales@durangoherald.com. Nick Gonzales is one of The Durango Herald newsroom’s resident film buffs. He welcomes movie recommendations. Follow him on Twitter @lackingzones.
Nick’s Picks
Destiny
Rating:
Not Rated
Genre:
Horror, science fiction & fantasy
Directed by:
Fritz Lang
Written by:
Fritz Lang
Why watch it:
In this silent-era film from the director of “Metropolis,” a woman must face off against Death himself across three fantastical settings to save the life of her beloved.
Release:
1924
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes
In the Shadow of the Moon
Rating:
PG
Genre:
Documentary
Directed by:
David Sington
Why watch it:
This documentary features interviews with members of every Apollo mission that flew to the moon, alongside great NASA footage and a excellent musical score.
Release:
2007
Available on:
Netflix
The Confirmation
Rating:
PG-13
Genre:
Comedy
Directed by:
Bob Nelson
Written by:
Bob Nelson
Why watch it:
An endearing story about a single, alcoholic father (Clive Owen) and son unfolds as hijinks ensue when the duo struggle to recover the dad’s stolen carpentry tools.
Release:
2016
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
Art & Copy
Rating:
Not rated
Genre:
Documentary
Directed by:
Doug Pray
Written by:
Timothy J. Sexton
Why watch it:
“Art & Copy” showcases the human side of the advertising industry, profiling the creative people behind some of the most famous ads of the last century and discussing their cultural impact.
Release:
2009
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
The Automatic Hate
Rating:
Not Rated
Genre:
Comedy, drama
Directed by:
Justin Lerner
Written by:
Justin Lerner, Katharine O’Brien
Release:
2016
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
