Name: The Sky Is Everywhere
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Released: 2022-02-11T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Grace Kaufman, Jacques Colimon, Cherry Jones, Jason Segel, Pico Alexander

The camera lingers on Lennie’s trembling fingers as they press against a tree trunk, her breath visible in the crisp Northern California air. This intimate moment, a quiet rebellion against grief, sets the tone for Josephine Decker’s adaptation of Jandy Nelson’s novel “The Sky Is Everywhere.” It’s a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, and its sleeves are covered in poetry, music, and the thorny vines of first love.

Decker, known for her unconventional narratives like “Madeline’s Madeline” and “Shirley,” brings her signature visual flair to this coming-of-age tale. The lush redwood forests and overgrown gardens of Lennie’s world are not just backdrops but characters themselves, their sprawling beauty a stark contrast to the confined grief that Lennie (Grace Kaufman) carries within her. Decker’s use of sound is particularly noteworthy—Lennie’s clarinet music, the rustle of leaves, the distant hum of traffic—each audio element is meticulously layered to create an immersive atmosphere.

Kaufman delivers a performance that is raw and unfiltered, capturing Lennie’s tumultuous journey through loss and love with palpable authenticity. Her scenes with Jacques Colimon as Joe Fontaine crackle with youthful energy and genuine chemistry. The film’s romantic subplots are its strongest suit, deftly navigating the messy terrain of teenage infatuation and complicated relationships.

However, “The Sky Is Everywhere” stumbles in its pacing. The narrative meanders at times, losing momentum in its attempt to weave together Lennie’s grief, her romantic entanglements, and her family dynamics. Some scenes feel overly drawn out, diluting the emotional impact of key moments. Additionally, the film’s reliance on magical realism—poetic notes appearing spontaneously, conversations with nature—can come across as contrived rather than enchanting.

The supporting cast, including Cherry Jones as Lennie’s grandmother Fiona and Jason Segel as Uncle Big, add depth to the story but are often sidelined by the central romance. Their characters are compelling but could have been explored more thoroughly to provide additional layers to Lennie’s emotional journey.

Ultimately, “The Sky Is Everywhere” is a film that strives for emotional resonance and achieves it in fits and starts. It’s a bittersweet exploration of love and loss, wrapped in the vibrant hues of youth.

Decker’s direction is both a strength and a weakness. Her ability to capture the essence of Lennie’s internal struggle through visual metaphors is impressive. The use of close-ups on Lennie’s face as she navigates her emotions is particularly effective, allowing Kaufman’s performance to shine. However, Decker’s tendency to linger on certain scenes can make the film feel sluggish at times.

The film’s themes of grief and first love are universal, making it relatable to a wide audience. Lennie’s journey from despair to acceptance is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. The exploration of her relationships with Toby (Pico Alexander) and Joe provides a compelling narrative arc that keeps the audience engaged.

“The Sky Is Everywhere” is not just a film for teenagers. It offers insights into the human condition that are relevant to viewers of all ages. The portrayal of grief is particularly poignant, capturing the raw and messy nature of loss in a way that feels authentic and unfiltered.

In comparison to other coming-of-age films, “The Sky Is Everywhere” stands out for its unique blend of magical realism and emotional depth. While it may not reach the heights of classics like “Lady Bird” or “Call Me by Your Name,” it carves out its own niche with a story that is both heartfelt and visually stunning.

Grace Kaufman’s performance is the heart of the film. Her ability to convey Lennie’s internal struggle through subtle facial expressions and body language is remarkable. The chemistry between Kaufman and Jacques Colimon is palpable, making their romantic scenes feel genuine and heartfelt.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Cherry Jones brings a warmth and wisdom to her role as Fiona, providing a grounding presence in the film. Jason Segel’s portrayal of Uncle Big is both humorous and touching, adding depth to the story.

However, the film’s reliance on magical realism can be a double-edged sword. While it adds a layer of whimsy to the story, it can also feel out of place at times. The spontaneous appearance of poetic notes and conversations with nature can come across as contrived rather than enchanting.

The film’s pacing is another area where it falters. The narrative meanders at times, losing momentum in its attempt to weave together Lennie’s grief, her romantic entanglements, and her family dynamics. Some scenes feel overly drawn out, diluting the emotional impact of key moments.

Despite these flaws, “The Sky Is Everywhere” is a film that strives for emotional resonance and achieves it in fits and starts. It’s a bittersweet exploration of love and loss, wrapped in the vibrant hues of youth. The film’s themes of grief and first love are universal, making it relatable to a wide audience.

In conclusion, “The Sky Is Everywhere” is a film that offers a unique blend of magical realism and emotional depth. While it may not reach the heights of classics like “Lady Bird” or “Call Me by Your Name,” it carves out its own niche with a story that is both heartfelt and visually stunning.