The Planters | Available Oct. 16–29
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Need a pick-me-up to counteract the overwhelming vibes of 2020? Clear your schedule this week for *The Planters,* an indie comedy that’s less “light entertainment” and more “what miracle is happening here?” Written and directed by first-time filmmakers Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder, this film is about as DIY as it gets—these two handled everything from cinematography to costumes without the help of a single crew member. Talk about multi-tasking; I can barely manage to find matching socks.
Set against the rolling hills of central California, our heroine, Martha Plant (Kotcheff, who must have been doomed to exist in a world of puns), is a telemarketer working from home. Spoiler alert: it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Since her parents tragically checked out of life by way of a rather unfortunate car accident (decapitation as a hobby, perhaps?), Martha’s lonesome spirit seeks solace in an entrepreneurial endeavor known as “planting.”
Picture this: Martha buries random trinkets in the desert, then posts GPS coordinates like she’s crafting a modern-day treasure hunt for the bored locals. Treasure hunters come with cash, and Martha’s bank account laughs in the face of her emotional woes. What could possibly go wrong? “You should be proud, you’re doing something really asinine, and it’s working,” remarks Angie, one of the many personalities of Sadie Mayflower (Leder), who has recently been evicted from her mental health sanctuary. Now she’s living with Martha, and trust me, it’s a beautifully weird alliance that’ll make even your quirky friendships seem mundane.
Kotcheff delivers comic timing that’s sharper than my grandma’s best roast knife—she serves punchlines with just the twitch of an eyebrow. Meanwhile, Leder manages to showcase distinct characters, elevating the film to another level of charm. And let’s not gloss over the delightful stop-motion animations featuring interstitial Bible jokes. Yeah, you read that right. Keep up; this movie is a treasure trove of weirdness.
While you might catch some whiffs of Wes Anderson in the mix—think dry humor and whimsical symmetry—the film refuses to be pigeonholed or knocked off its own delightful wavelength. You’ll find yourself rooting for these two odd ducks as they navigate an increasingly bizarre friendship. If laughter is the best medicine, then this film is an overpriced prescription.
*The Planters* is currently available for your viewing pleasure as an early release through The Carolina Theatre’s online portal. Go on, indulge your senses and take a break from reality. Sign up for your ticket—don’t worry, I won’t judge if you wear pajamas while streaming.
