Downtown Owl

By: MJ Asuncion

Based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Chuck Klosterman, the film Downtown Owl is set in Reagan era 1983, in the small fictional town of Owl, North Dakota. With a population of eight hundred and its downtown solely consisting of a diner, two gas stations and three bars, any “outsider” is sure to draw the attention of the locals. Everyone knows everyone, your business is everyone’s business, and no secret stays a secret. If you come to a town like Owl, you should expect to be warmly welcomed, but then to be immediately under watchful, curious eyes.

Downtown Owl is bookended with the whiteout snowstorm of January 1984, that forever changed the lives of many people. The opening scene gives us a glimpse of our main protagonist played by Lily Rabe, sitting in a car with the storm at full force outside her window. The scene quickly cuts to months before where we officially meet English teacher Julia Rabia (Rabe), who has just arrived in Owl for a one-semester teaching job at the high school. We soon find out that Julia has come to Owl at the recommendation of her professor father and to allow for space from her fiancé as he finishes up his doctoral thesis. Julia seems set on the brevity of her stay, hoping to quietly complete her semester and fly “under the radar” so she can return to her urban life.

This plan is quickly set off course when she meets fellow teacher and life of the party Naomi (Vanessa Hudgens) who tells her to “start living a little,” beginning with a night at Hugos’, the local dive bar. This first night out is the catalyst for Julia’s unraveling as she lets go and reinvents herself with Naomi, drinking and partying night after night, escaping from her personal demons and disillusioned life. Many of Owl’s single lonely men have approached Julia, but she continues to remain faithful to her fiancé. Then one night Vince Druid (Henry Golding) strolls into the bar with his cowboy hat and rugged demeanor and Julia is instantly on high alert. She not so subtly makes several attempts to flirt with the mysterious Vince, all of which go mostly unreturned. Julia’s obsession takes her on an emotional rollercoaster that affects her daily life in Owl.

The action alternates between the two main locations of the film, the high school and Hugo’s where the local residents impact Julia’s integration into the quaint town. The quirky cast of characters include Julia’s teacher friend Naomi, a nostalgic older gentleman Horace (Ed Harris) with whom Julia forms an unlikely friendship and Coach Laidlaw (Finn Wittrock) who is involved in various town scandals that everyone knows of but no one talks about. Also, interestingly enough, some of Julia’s students reel her into their investigation of Coach Laidlaw, amongst them the quiet and depressed Mitch (August Blanco Rosenstein). Mitch’s path parallels Julia’s emotional journey as he struggles with his coach’s erratic and demoralizing behavior and the town’s pressure for him to play football.

The story is mostly told from Julia’s point of view, and often we are given insight into her thoughts with sidebar inner monologues. This along with Julia and Naomi’s nightly outings at the bar provide for some offbeat humor throughout the film. Lily Rabe delivers an emotional performance that fully embodies Julia’s transformation in the film. Vanessa Hudgens takes on her one-note character with likable enthusiasm and provides relief from the more serious topics of loneliness, depression and isolation. Plus, Ed Harris portrays Horace with a wise and calm demeanor fitting of his character where instantly it is clear why Julia latches onto him for support.

Charmed by the novel, Rabe convinced her real-life husband Hamish Linklater to team up to adapt the acclaimed novel in their collaborative directorial debut. With a screenplay by Linklater, the equal parts drama and comedy also Rabe as a wonderful leading lady. Both Rabe and Linklater (in his debut production) also served as producers, along with Bettina Barrow and Rebecca Green. Linklater also makes an appearance in a small but memorable part in the film.

The collective stories of its residents are uniquely told in this poignant and charming film. Downtown Owl tackles heavy subject matter in serious tones intertwined with comedic flair. Rabe and Linklater deliver a distinct adaptation that sparks curiosity and a range of emotions. There is something about the fictional town of Owl that will draw audiences in.