Bubble & Squeak: A Hilarious Dive into Absurdity
A Quirky Introduction
Bubble & Squeak emerges as a delightfully strange journey into the absurd, written and directed by Evan Twohy. With a narrative that dances between comedy and surrealism, the film follows a couple on their honeymoon, exploring the bizarre landscapes of a foreign land where cabbage is both a culinary pariah and a shocking contraband. The whimsical absurdity that pervades this film makes it a standout at Sundance.
An engaging scene that captures the spirit of the film.
Diving into the story, we meet Delores (Sarah Goldberg) and Declan (Himesh Patel), who are far from the typical honeymooners relaxing on a beach. Instead, they’ve ventured off the beaten path into a land filled with idiosyncratic customs and peculiar dialects. Cabbage, treacherously banned in this culture due to its historical baggage, becomes the centerpiece of their comical mishaps.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
The film opens with a setting that quickly escalates from mundane to outrageous. After being detained by customs agents under the suspicion of cabbage smuggling, Delores and Declan find themselves in a ludicrous predicament. Steven Yeun, portraying the bumbling customs officer Bkofl, delivers a performance that is both unsettling and amusing, especially when he outlines the severe consequences they might face for their supposed crime.
“This is not a crime we take lightly,” Bkofl sternly warns, hinting at the hilariously harsh punishments that await should they fail to comply.
The moment our protagonists meet the customs officers.
The stakes rise quickly, as the absurdity of local law forces the couple to become both desperate and inventive. Their escape from a convoluted bureaucracy leads them into an unpredictable adventure, where they encounter a myriad of eccentric characters, including the exuberant yet shady Norman (Dave Franco), who introduces them to the local cabbage smuggling scene.
The Journey Through the Wilderness
As the harrowing flight from customs unfolds, Delores and Declan’s journey resembles a twisted road movie filled with roadblocks of hilarity and peril. They meander through dense forests, face off against mantraps, and only narrowly escape a bear—who amusingly turns out to be Norman in disguise, a former criminal whose new obsession revolves around trading cabbages. Their interactions with Norman inject new life into the narrative, revealing unexpected layers of humor amidst the chaos.
Despite the far-fetched premise, I found myself chuckling at many moments that mirror the uncomfortable misunderstandings often faced by travelers abroad. There’s a kind of relentless satire branding the film, poking fun at the stereotypical narrative of American tourists lost in foreign lands, a trope we’ve seen in various iterations but never told quite like this.
A Comedic Satire on Absurdity
Twohy’s ability to thread humor through dark subject matter is commendable, yet I can’t help but feel that the film sometimes struggles to maintain its comedic momentum. With a runtime of just 97 minutes, it occasionally feels like it rushes through its more humorous moments, leaving the viewer wanting more substance behind the laugh-out-loud moments. Nonetheless, Bubble & Squeak keeps you guessing and entertained with its assortment of bizarre antics.
The couple’s misadventures take a darkly comedic turn.
The dialogue sometimes sparkles with wit, though it can drift a bit into the realm of the overly arch. A memorable exchange occurs when Delores queries Declan about his most disappointing dessert, subtly capturing the essence of their layered personalities amidst the chaos. These moments, while fleeting, anchor the film and give audiences a glimpse into the complexities of their characters.
The Conclusion: A Poignant Note
As the story unfolds toward its climax, I found myself invested not just in their escape but in the relationship between Delores and Declan. Each interaction, each brush with danger, serves to deepen their bond. Despite its absurd premise, Bubble & Squeak culminates in an unexpectedly poignant conclusion that left me reflecting on the ridiculousness of life and the lengths one will go to for love.
Twohy’s debut, with all its madcap energy, is a reminder that even within the depths of absurdity, there can be moments of true sincerity. It invites us to embrace life’s unpredictability, crafting a narrative that is not just about smuggling cabbages, but about the adventure of self-discovery and partnership in the face of chaos.
If there’s one lesson to be taken away from watching Bubble & Squeak, it’s that the world is filled with surprises—both delightful and dangerous. After all, you might find yourself smuggling more than just cabbages in your pants during your next misadventure abroad.
Final Thoughts
With a blend of captivating performances from its leads to the sheer absurdity of its premise, Bubble & Squeak distinguishes itself in a sea of indie comedies. It may not resonate with everyone, yet for those willing to ride the unpredictable waves of Twohy’s imagination, it is an experience that promises both laughter and reflection. Don’t miss the chance to witness this unique cinematic creation before it slips through the cracks, perhaps as an extra tip: leave your veggies at home before hopping on that flight!
Title: Bubble & Squeak
Festival: Sundance (US Dramatic Competition)
Sales agent: Obscured Pictures
Director/screenwriter: Evan Twohy
Cast: Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, Matt Berry
Running time: 1 hr 37 mins
