Showing Up Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An artist stresses about her show, a pigeon, and hot water, proving that even artists have mundane problems… but with more clay.

🍿 Showing Up: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Lizzy’s World

Lizzy, a sculptor in Portland, juggles preparing for an upcoming art show with the mundane realities of her daily life. She works at an art school, deals with a dysfunctional family, and navigates a complex relationship with her landlord, Jo, who is also a fellow artist. Lizzy’s life is a mix of artistic aspirations and everyday frustrations.

The Pigeon Incident and Its Aftermath

An unexpected event occurs when Lizzy’s cat injures a pigeon. Jo rescues the bird, leading to Lizzy reluctantly taking on the responsibility of caring for it. This seemingly minor incident becomes a central point, highlighting the dynamic between Lizzy and Jo, and introducing themes of care, responsibility, and unexpected connection.

Challenges and Setbacks

As Lizzy prepares for her art show, she faces several challenges. Her artwork is damaged in a kiln fire, and her brother’s mental state becomes a source of concern. These setbacks add to her stress and anxiety, threatening to derail her artistic endeavors.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lizzy (Michelle Williams): A sculptor struggling to prepare for her upcoming art show amidst personal and professional distractions.
• Jo (Hong Chau): Lizzy’s successful artist friend and enigmatic landlord with whom she has a complex relationship.
• Eric (André 3000): Lizzy’s co-worker who helps with the kiln and provides a calm, supportive presence.
• Jean (Maryann Plunkett): Lizzy’s mother, who runs the art school where Lizzy works.
• William (Denzel Rodriguez): A child who’s kiln class disrupts Lizzy’s flow.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lizzy: “It’s not my job to figure it out.” – Lizzy says this when trying to avoid taking responsibility for something, reflecting her tendency to avoid problems.
• Jo: “I’m showing new work at my house.” – Jo casually announces her own art show, highlighting the constant competition and subtle rivalry between her and Lizzy.
• Eric: “Imperfections are more interesting.” – Said by Eric after Lizzy’s ceramic work is spoiled in the kiln, offering a perspective on art and accepting flaws.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $754,483
• Worldwide Gross: $1,270,549

💥 Showing Up Reviews

Personal Review

I found “Showing Up” to be a beautifully observed and deeply relatable film. As someone who’s dabbled in creative pursuits, I totally understood Lizzy’s struggle to balance art with the daily grind. The scene where her sculpture gets ruined hit me hard – it felt like a punch in the gut. I also loved the quirky dynamic between her and Jo, it was so real and funny. The ending was subtle, but it left me feeling hopeful. Overall, it’s a film that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in art and the creative process”
  • “People who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy slow-paced, slice-of-life dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity in artistic context”
  • “Mentions of mental health issues”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Showing Up is a masterful slice-of-life, offering a nuanced look at the struggles and small victories of an artist. Williams delivers a compelling performance, perfectly capturing the quiet desperation and simmering frustrations of a creative soul.
• Screen Daily: “Reichardt’s gentle direction and Williams’ understated performance create a believable portrait of an artist juggling personal and professional challenges. It’s a film that rewards patience and offers a refreshing break from mainstream narratives.

Audience Reactions

Michelle Williams’ performance is subtle yet powerful, capturing the essence of a struggling artist.: Viewers appreciate the film’s realistic portrayal of the art world and the everyday challenges faced by creatives.

Overall Consensus: Showing Up is a slow-burn drama that offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of an artist’s life, appreciated for its nuanced performances and subtle storytelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The art pieces created by Lizzy in the movie were actually made by Portland-based artist Cynthia Lahti, whose work director Kelly Reichardt had admired for a long time.”
• “Cynthia Lahti trained Michelle Williams in sculpting before filming began. This training helped Williams portray the role of a sculptor more convincingly.”
• “Initially, Cynthia Lahti was on the verge of giving up her art career, but working on the movie reignited her passion for creating. By the end of the shoot, she had created so many new pieces that her workshop was overflowing.”

🖥️ How to Watch Showing Up?

Showing Up is currently available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for potential availability on streaming services or cable providers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Showing Up, you might like these similar films:

• Frances Ha (2012): A character-driven film about a struggling artist trying to find her place in the world, navigating friendships and career aspirations.
• Meek’s Cutoff (2010): Also directed by Kelly Reichardt and starring Michelle Williams, it shares a similar minimalist and character-focused style.
• Art School Confidential (2006): A satirical look at the art world, providing a humorous take on the struggles and eccentricities of art students.

🛒 Showing Up Related Products

• Sculpting Clay Kit: A comprehensive clay sculpting kit to explore your inner artist. Includes various tools and clays suitable for beginners and experienced sculptors.
• The Art Spirit by Robert Henri: A classic guide to the philosophy and technique of art, offering timeless wisdom for aspiring artists.
• Ceramic Glazes Assortment: A collection of vibrant ceramic glazes to add color and depth to your pottery creations.
• Pigeon Feed: High-quality, nutritious feed for pigeons, ensuring their health and well-being.

🎧 Soundtrack

Showing Up features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bubble in the Wind” – performed by Falcon/Falkland

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Thanks to Kelly for showing up.😊#movie #viral #shorts

Ever wonder what’s *really* going on in ‘Showing Up’? This short breaks it down in under a minute! It’s a cool little take that might just change how you see the film; I found it pretty insightful!

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