Ingrid Goes West Review
- G
- Feb 22, 2018
- 3 min read
This movie was shocking. I had wanted to see it for the longest time but it wasn't in many theaters due to it being somewhat of an indie movie, but I finally was able to see it on Hulu. I did not expect the turns the story took, and the ending was satisfying.
Story- Ingrid's (Aubrey Plaza) mom just passed away, who she lived at home with. She is addicted to social media, on Instagram day and night. As she's reading a magazine, she sees a picture of Taylor (Elizabeth Olson) and an article saying how active she is with her followers. Ingrid comments on one of her pictures and gets a response, so she decides to move to LA and befriend Taylor. What follows is a series of turns that make you wanting to find out just how far Ingrid will go to become best friends with someone.
Cinematography/Props- As it takes place in present day California, the props are just normal everyday things. Ingrid's phone is arguably a character in and of itself, having just about as much screentime as Ingrid. The locations that they shot in where absolutely beautiful, the nice beaches and sprawling city streets came alive.
Acting- Aubrey Plaza. Wow does this girl have range. She can be snarky and rude, she can be sweet and charming, she is super talented. The fact that she's the main character, and you're rooting for her to find what she wants, but being just slightly over the top to the point where you are concerned she's going too far, it's astounding. Hollywood needs to keep looking to her for leading roles. Elizabeth Olson has come a long way, her character portrayal in this movie almost a "too good to be true" individual. O'Shea Jackson Jr. was absolutely fantastic as well. You see his character in the beginning once Ingrid gets to LA, and you assume he's going to be one way but is the exact opposite, just a cool guy who's super into Batman. He was extremely likable, and one of the best parts in this movie. The supporting cast did an excellent job as well, and all played their parts well.
Directing- Matt Spicer directed this movie, and man do I have to give him props. The intricacies of this movie were fantastic. The little attention to details added to the character progression of Ingrid. From the fact that she falls asleep with her phone charging in her hand, it shows she's literally tethered to her phone, among other things, like her wearing two different sets of clothes depending on who she's with and where she's at. I would love to see what he comes up with next.
Soundtrack- The soundtrack was actually surprisingly not as prevalent as I would've expected. There were some licensed songs tied into the plot, and there were some noticeable original pieces. Overall, even though it was somewhat minimal, it was good.
Final Verdict- A. I know this movie came out in 2017, but seeing it in the beginning of 2018 has a lasting impression on me in terms of the bar being set high. I loved this movie, and I strongly urge you to watch it due to the message it brings and the quality of the storytelling it presents.
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