Cherry

Cherry is the latest example of why some books aren't adaptable for the big screen.


Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, Cherry is based on the novel of the same name. The film strays from the Russo's normal filmography of Marvel blockbusters. Stepping back from the world of superheroes they dive into a critique of the Iraq war and treatment of brave soldiers who return home resulting in the opioid epidemic we are still facing today. The film takes pointers from other voice-over films with an unreliable narrator. It tries to be a mix of the different genres with a story that spans the whole life of its narrator.


The novel is based on Nico Walker's experiences with war, addiction, and crime. When he returned home from the war he got hooked on opioids and became a bank robber. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his crimes. The book is told in the first person, present tense and Walker's ay of vivid storytelling sucks you into his world of drugs and crime.


Voiceover is the driver of the story throughout the film. The audience sees exactly what is being said which feels reductive at times. The film is long where it feels like you are watching multiple films at the same time. The story starts with the narrator (Tom Holland) meeting Emily (Ciara Bravo) at a community college. Scenes show him at his mediocre job and his relationship with Emily; nothing too crazy in his prewar life.


The film feels overly produced and highly stylized. Spotlights are shined on certain characters, slo-mo is utilized, and freeze-frames. It feels like a strange reality. The scene where he takes drugs and only sees Emily in color while everything else is black and white was a laughable moment. Some of the choices are questionable and don't give Walker a clear voice to follow.


Tom Holland gives an incredible performance in a bad movie. He is very believable as an addict. He is able to be compulsive as his character continues to make bad decisions throughout the film and you can see the madness in him. He is even able to capture the feeling of checking out of reality due to his experience in Iraq. The film feels very dream-like. Holland brings his best and doesn't overdo it like everything else in the film. It is a good step for his transition into more mature roles post-Spider-Man.


The bloatedness of the film captures the idea of people being trapped in a meaningless world that progresses with no escape.