Lorelei (2020) Movie Review

“Lorelei” is a movie that explores the lives of two individuals who are struggling to keep their dreams alive as they try to survive in a world that seems to be against them. It is a heartfelt drama that combines moments of clumsiness with scenes of genuine empathy, anchored by the powerful performances of its two main actors, Jena Malone and Pablo Schreiber, who play Dolores and Wayland, respectively.

The movie opens with Wayland's release from prison after spending more than a decade behind bars. Wayland's initial celebration with his motorcycle gang buddies sets up a drama that appears to be about an ex-convict getting dragged back into a life of crime. However, the film takes a different direction as it follows the story of Wayland and Dolores, who are both living on the edge of homelessness. They struggle to make ends meet, working menial jobs as their dreams of success gradually fade away.

Wayland and Dolores are former teenage sweethearts who reunite when Wayland spots Dolores at a single mother's meeting. Dolores has Wayland's name tattooed on her body, a sign of the love they once shared. She is now a single mother of three children, working as a maid at a cheap motel during the day. Wayland finds a low-paying job and moves in with Dolores, and the two struggle to maintain their economic stability.

The film portrays the reality of many Americans who are only one bad day away from being homeless, trying to keep their lives together while also being good parents. The scene where Dolores struggles to make her daughter's birthday special is particularly moving, showing the emotional toll of living on the edge of poverty. The movie explores the challenges that working-class families face, highlighting the struggles of people who are often forgotten and overlooked by society.

Schreiber and Malone give remarkable performances in their roles, bringing depth and complexity to their characters. Schreiber's imposing figure is used in an interesting way, portraying Wayland as someone who is both vulnerable and kind-hearted. He understands that doing the right thing does not always guarantee success in life, and he portrays this cynically realistic outlook with subtlety and nuance. Malone matches him with a raw emotional performance, portraying Dolores as someone who has given up on happiness but is reminded of what she never became when she reunites with Wayland.

The movie explores the themes of love, loss, and the search for identity with sensitivity and empathy. The two main characters are outsiders who are struggling to find their place in the world, and the film portrays their journey with tenderness and compassion. The movie does fall into some cliched tropes, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of the three children, which can feel melodramatic at times. However, the strong performances of the leads and the film's genuine empathy towards its characters make up for any shortcomings.

Overall, “Lorelei” is a movie that portrays the struggles of working-class families with heart and sensitivity. It highlights the challenges that many people face in their daily lives, showing how difficult it can be to keep one's dreams alive when faced with constant adversity. The film's powerful performances and empathetic storytelling make it a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the complexities of the human experience.