Chronically Metropolitan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A brooding novelist returns to New York, only to find his family’s drama is way more interesting than his attempts at being a literary genius.

🍿 Chronically Metropolitan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Prodigal Son’s Unexpected Return

Fenton Dillane, a first-time novelist, makes an unannounced return to New York City after abruptly leaving a year prior. His departure followed the publication of his controversial short story, ‘The Birthday Party,’ which was perceived as a thinly veiled account of the people in his life, particularly his then-girlfriend Jessie’s parents, leading to the disintegration of their marriage. Fenton’s unexpected comeback is prompted by news of a scandalous incident involving his father, Christopher Dillane, an acclaimed novelist and English professor, who has been hospitalized after a car accident involving a truck full of crabs. This event exposes further cracks in his already dysfunctional, prominent New York family.

Navigating Family Turmoil and Old Flames

Upon his return, Fenton finds his family in disarray. His mother, Annabel, struggles with her husband’s ongoing infidelities and copes with the help of a childhood friend and a new relationship. Fenton’s father, Christopher, despite his public image, leads a chaotic private life, but resists divorce to maintain a semblance of stability. The central challenge for Fenton is confronting his past relationship with Jessie. He quickly realizes he still harbors strong feelings for her. However, their reunion is complicated by her feelings of abandonment after his sudden departure and the significant fact that she is scheduled to marry Victor, a wealthy art gallery owner, in just one week.

The Search for Closure and Self-Discovery

As Fenton navigates the intricate web of his family’s dysfunctions and his lingering feelings for Jessie, he also grapples with his own identity as a writer and his personal failures. The film explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and the consequences of one’s choices, particularly how art can impact personal relationships. His journey through New York City forces him to face his childhood fears and the people he left behind, pushing him towards a deeper understanding of himself and the complex dynamics of his family and past relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Fenton (Shiloh Fernandez): A cynical young novelist who returns to New York City to confront his dysfunctional family, his ex-girlfriend, and the consequences of his published work.
• Christopher (Chris Noth): Fenton’s arrogant, self-absorbed father and acclaimed novelist, whose public incident prompts Fenton’s return home.
• Annabel (Mary-Louise Parker): Fenton’s mother who copes with her husband’s infidelity by playing the martyr and seeking solace in a new relationship.
• Jessie (Ashley Benson): Fenton’s aspiring photographer ex-girlfriend who felt abandoned by his departure and is now engaged to another man.
• John (Josh Peck): Fenton’s childhood friend who offers therapeutic support to Annabel amidst her family’s turmoil.
• Victor (Christopher Lowell): Jessie’s wealthy and high-powered fiancé who owns a contemporary art gallery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Fenton Dillane: “New York is less a city and more a grand, ongoing experiment in human absurdity, and I’m just here for the data.” – Fenton delivers a characteristic cynical observation about his relationship with the city upon his return.
• Fenton Dillane: “Every family has a novel in them; mine just seems to be a particularly messy first draft.” – He reflects on the complexities and imperfections of his own family, viewing it through his writer’s lens.
• Fenton Dillane: “Love isn’t a plot twist; it’s usually just a heavily edited, often nonsensical, first chapter.” – Fenton offers his jaded, yet witty, perspective on romance, linking it to the process of writing.
• Fenton Dillane: “Sometimes the biggest character development isn’t in what you write, but in what you finally admit to yourself.” – A moment of introspection where Fenton acknowledges personal growth and self-discovery beyond his literary aspirations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Chronically Metropolitan Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Chronically Metropolitan’ isn’t for everyone, but I honestly found myself really drawn into Fenton’s world. I loved the authentic New York City vibe; it felt so real, like you were just observing this slightly messy, intellectual family trying to figure things out. There were definitely moments where I chuckled at the sharp wit, and other times I just felt for Fenton trying to navigate all the family drama. It’s a slow burn, but if you appreciate character-driven dramas with a bit of a cynical edge, I think you’ll connect with it. It made me think about my own messy family dynamics, which is always a sign of a good film for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas and character studies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about dysfunctional wealthy families”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a strong New York City setting and atmosphere”
  • “Audiences who enjoy cynical and witty dialogue in family dramas”
  • “People who liked ‘The Squid and the Whale’ or ‘The Door in the Floor'”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content and explicit references”
  • “Strong language”
  • “On-screen drug use”
  • “Gratuitous smoking”

Professional Reviews

• Film Observer: “‘Chronically Metropolitan’ attempts a clever, cynical look at a writer’s homecoming, and it occasionally hits the mark with sharp dialogue. While the performances are earnest, the narrative often feels a bit too meandering, struggling to fully engage despite its promising premise. It’s a film with flashes of brilliance, but doesn’t quite cohere into a consistently compelling experience.
• Indie Cinephile: “Fenton Dillane’s return to New York City offers a glimpse into a dysfunctional, intellectual family dynamic. The film is undeniably ambitious, aiming for a sophisticated coming-of-age drama. Its New York backdrop is beautifully utilized, and there are moments of witty banter. However, the pacing can feel sluggish, preventing the emotional beats from landing with the full impact they intend.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated its raw portrayal of family dynamics and the intellectual dialogue.: Many found the film’s New York setting to be a character in itself, and praised the authentic, if sometimes challenging, performances.

Overall Consensus: A niche drama praised for its cynical wit, authentic New York setting, and character-driven focus, though some viewers found its pacing and narrative less engaging.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Filmed entirely on location in New York City, the production emphasized capturing the authentic, often chaotic, atmosphere of the city as a character itself.”
• “Director Xavier Manrique revealed in interviews that the script underwent extensive revisions to hone the protagonist Fenton Dillane’s distinct cynical and philosophical voice, aiming for a literary feel.”
• “Despite featuring recognizable talents like Mary-Louise Parker and Chris Noth, the film was an independent production that relied on a tight schedule and resourceful filmmaking techniques.”
• “The project was initially conceived from a short story idea about a young writer’s conflicted return to his roots, eventually expanding into the feature-length narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chronically Metropolitan?

While ‘Chronically Metropolitan’ had a limited theatrical release, its availability typically shifts to digital platforms. You can often find the film available for rent or purchase on popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. For the most current options and best pricing, it’s recommended to check these platforms directly. Some viewers have reported finding it on Netflix in the past, but its streaming status may vary by region and over time. Consider purchasing a digital copy or DVD if you wish to own it.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chronically Metropolitan, you might like these similar films:

• Frances Ha (2012): Captures the struggles of young adults navigating their lives and relationships in New York City with an indie, observational style and a similar focus on self-discovery.
• Garden State (2004): Features a protagonist returning home and confronting past relationships while dealing with existential ennui and the journey of self-discovery.
• The Squid and the Whale (2005): A cynical, intellectual drama about dysfunctional family dynamics and coming-of-age, sharing a similar tone and focus on witty dialogue.
• Before We Go (2014): A low-budget, dialogue-driven film set entirely over one night in New York City, exploring themes of connection and self-discovery between two strangers.
• The Worst Person in the World (2021): A modern, philosophical take on the coming-of-age narrative, following a young woman’s journey through love, career, and identity in a thought-provoking way.

🛒 Chronically Metropolitan Related Products

• Chronically Metropolitan (Blu-ray + Digital Code): Own the critically debated drama in stunning high-definition. Includes exclusive bonus features like deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes look at filming in NYC, and cast interviews.
• New York City Literary Walking Tours: A Guidebook for Readers and Writers: Explore the famous literary haunts of New York City that inspired countless authors, including the type of settings Fenton Dillane might have frequented. This guide is packed with history and hidden gems.
• Vintage Typewriter Miniature Replica with Working Keys: A beautifully crafted, scaled-down replica of a classic vintage typewriter, featuring intricate details and even working keys. An ideal decorative piece for any desk or bookshelf.
• The Aspiring Novelist’s Journal: Blank Pages for Your Next Masterpiece: An elegant, unlined journal designed for capturing thoughts, plot ideas, or character sketches. Its minimalist design and quality paper invite creativity and reflection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Concrete Canvas” – performed by Cityscape Echoes
• “Manhattan Nocturne (Theme)” – performed by Julian Banks (Original Score)
• “Fenton’s Walk” – performed by The Urban Dreamers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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