Dinner in America - A Movie Review

I can take you to see your favorite band - on a few conditions.

Dinner in America is a 2020 film. A punk rocker is on the run from the police. He hides out in a young woman’s house. He finds out that she is obsessed with his band. The pair unexpectedly fall in love and go on an epic journey defacing the law.

Every review I read said that you need to give Dinner in America more than one chance. It is not a wholesome film to any degree, loaded with foul language and unpleasant characters. However, the unconventional narrative about an unexpected friendship between deceitful characters held my attention.

Kyle Gallner is the standout performer in Dinner in America. I have seen him in three other films, but never like this. Gallner is put to the test playing this awful punk rebel. Simon is so vile.

It’s not easy pinpointing redeemable qualities about this character, but let’s talk about Gallner’s subtle performance. Pay close attention to Gallner’s eyes. His eyes transform from intimidating to soft but preserve a close-guarded attitude. There is more to Simon.

Patty (Emily Steggs) has been treated poorly all her life because of her intellectual disability. Simon is not the right friend, but with his help, Patty learns to take a stand. Gallner and Steggs built a genuine connection. Simon’s intentions are uncomfortable, but once they build a dynamic, it is more bearable. Their time at the arcade was sweet.

As the title surmises, four chaotic dinner scenes happen throughout the film. Some of the most iconic scenes in film history have derived from moments like these. Each scene establishes the supporting cast and their dynamics. We get to see how certain characters mix with the film’s punk narrative.

Credits include Griffin Gluck, Pat Healy, and Mary Lynn Rajskub. Lea Thompson has a memorable appearance as a rebellious mom. The characters in Dinner in America are deliberately exaggerated, each contributing to the film's offbeat atmosphere.

Hear me out, Dinner in America is certainly not for everyone. I wanted to stop watching it. The foul language takes up the script and every scene. Simon shouts obscenities at anyone he pleases, and his behavior will trigger viewers. There’s also a nasty sequence where the duo gets revenge on two boys in the most appalling way.

This film demands the right audience to appreciate and understand its raw energy. It’s the character development that held my interest. The character development and plot intricacies become more apparent, drawing viewers into Simon and Patty's complex friendship.

What’s the moral of this film? Well, unpleasant people exist, and you never know who you’ll meet in life. People like Simon and Patty meet for a reason. I am not encouraging this friendship or the vulgar behavior to be replicated because it is toxic.

Adam Rehmeier’s direction is a mixed bag, but as reviewers pointed out, the latter half redeems itself. The film takes an unconventional route to experiment with a different story. He successfully captures the rebellious and chaotic spirit. The editing adds an edgy vibe with rapid cuts, reminiscent of the rebellious atmosphere.

The budget wasn’t at a preferred peak while making the film, but it’s impressive how the production team effectively captures the essence of the punk rock subculture. The DIY ethos of punk is mirrored in the filmmaking, contributing to the film's authenticity.

Research Dinner in America before you watch it because it is NOT for all audiences. It’s not a film I’d watch again, but I appreciate the subtle development incorporated.