Delia's Gone

source: Delia's Gone

Delia's Gone is a decent movie. Even though it's fairly slow, it still keeps you invested in the story and the lead character's journey. Stephan James gives a good performance and Paul Walter Hauser is his usual likeable self. The musical score is distinct and fitting. I really don't have anything specifically bad to say about this movie. I'm not sure what it is, but it didn't do much for me. It's fine. More than fine. But I needed more. It's the usual difference I feel between theatrical movies compared to the lower quality streaming movies. It doesn't have the "it" factor. (1 viewing, 4/9/2023)

I tried desperately, and I do mean desperately to like this film considering the historical body of work by the leads, Tomei and James. They did what they could with what they were given but why? Why did these two phenomenal actors even attempt to breathe life into this dull and implausible script? Marissa Tomei was the very life of Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny and Stephan James embodied Alfonzo Hunt as I'm sure James Baldwin envisioned him when writing If Beale Street Could Talk. Were they doing a favor for writer/director Robert Budreau? Were they begged, threatened? Kidding of course (?). The caliber of these actors rises far above the lackluster script, simplistic direction, and stale cinematography that is the mundanity of Delia's Gone.

Louis Hollis (Stephan James) had a drowning incident as a child. He is mentally slow but honest. After his father died from cancer he was taken care of by his sister Delia (Genelle Williams). Getting laid off from her job, Delia must travel to Toledo from Akron area for work. This upsets Louis as he does not like change. Louis goes out of character and drinks in his anger. Delia goes out. When Louis awakens, his sister is dead on the floor. Just so happen the police come by at that moment. Louis is a care facility after spending 5 years in jail. While there is is visited by Stacker Cole (Travis Fimmel) who claims he knows something about his sister. Before he can spit it out, Louis goes into a rage and he splits. Louis wants to know the truth. Louis is an interesting character. He remembers a lot as we see him repeat his sister's words seven years later. Marisa Tomei place Sheriff Fran Cole sister of Stacker and a hard drinking woman who lacks charm. Paul Walter Hauser plays a fat cop as that seems to have become his role. Interesting crime drama. Good acting. Guide: Caught1 lone F-word. No sex or nudity.

Conceptually, it's a great premise for a story, but producer, writer and director Robert Budreau missed a huge opportunity to make this a great film, had he at least consulted a seasoned filmmaker for much needed improvements in his writing and directing. His story lacked cohesion, intrigue or any suspense. It was told in a static, inconsistent and bland "as a matter of fact" style, that dismisses any opportunity to become captivated or invested, especially when the normally comfortable 90 min runtime dragged on and on with slow pacing and too much filler for the little substance this film had to offer. This film could've easily been cut down to a short film, and it would by more appealing and enjoyable. Budreau's choice of depressing drab colors and poor cinematography just made matters worse. You can also tell he failed to direct his cast properly, especially Marisa Tomei, who seemed lost and out of place in most scenes, as well as some ridiculous dialogue Budreau wrote for her character as well as Stephan James' character. It's a generous 6/10 from me, mostly going to the great cast who did their best with what they were given.

source: Delia's Gone

I tried desperately, and I do mean desperately to like this film considering the historical body of work by the leads, Tomei and James. They did what they could with what they were given but why? Why did these two phenomenal actors even attempt to breathe life into this dull and implausible script? Marissa Tomei was the very life of Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny and Stephan James embodied Alfonzo Hunt as I'm sure James Baldwin envisioned him when writing If Beale Street Could Talk. Were they doing a favor for writer/director Robert Budreau? Were they begged, threatened? Kidding of course (?). The caliber of these actors rises far above the lackluster script, simplistic direction, and stale cinematography that is the mundanity of Delia's Gone.

He's literally driving around the whole 2nd half of the movie. It's so boring, plot blah. I'm so mad at myself for watching the whole thing. It was a little promising in the beginning and just goes down hill from there. Sister gets killed, he goes to trial which like how can he even stand trial, be so for real. Skip a little then he becomes this vigilante, aimlessly driving around town trying to find out the ppl responsible for his sister's murder. I mean it's so bad, his acting wasn't that great either.. idk what the director was thinking! No justice for this. I was extremely disappointed in this!

Despite the other reviews, I thought it was a good movie. I felt bad for Louis, getting locked up for something he didn't even do. Then having one of the people responsible or at the vary least involved in what really happen to his sister, visit him with a carrot that he knew what really happened. I would be on a hunt to find the truth too, even if the truth is for the birds. To find out one of the police are involved and related to the bad guys, just adds the twist at the end. I liked it and give kiddos to the actors. Marisa tomei character definitely didn't see her being involved more than just cleaning up after her brothers, but gosh to essentially have the scene blame poor Louis, grr. She made me mad.

Louis Hollis (Stephan James) had a drowning incident as a child. He is mentally slow but honest. After his father died from cancer he was taken care of by his sister Delia (Genelle Williams). Getting laid off from her job, Delia must travel to Toledo from Akron area for work. This upsets Louis as he does not like change. Louis goes out of character and drinks in his anger. Delia goes out. When Louis awakens, his sister is dead on the floor. Just so happen the police come by at that moment. Louis is a care facility after spending 5 years in jail. While there is is visited by Stacker Cole (Travis Fimmel) who claims he knows something about his sister. Before he can spit it out, Louis goes into a rage and he splits. Louis wants to know the truth. Louis is an interesting character. He remembers a lot as we see him repeat his sister's words seven years later. Marisa Tomei place Sheriff Fran Cole sister of Stacker and a hard drinking woman who lacks charm. Paul Walter Hauser plays a fat cop as that seems to have become his role. Interesting crime drama. Good acting. Guide: Caught1 lone F-word. No sex or nudity.