Asthma Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chronically unmotivated slacker with an imaginary talking werewolf steals a car, picks up his tattoo artist crush, and proceeds to spend the rest of the movie doing drugs and lamenting not being born in the ’70s.

🍿 Asthma: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Gus’s Disillusioned Life and a Stolen Ride

The film introduces Gus (Benedict Samuel), a young man seemingly adrift and disconnected. He begins by refusing to paint a wall, claiming it’s already white, then proceeds to whitewash his own apartment, including his TV and books. This act underscores his desire to erase or simplify his existence, stemming from a belief that he was born in the wrong era and that all his heroes are dead. After failing a suicide attempt, Gus impulsively steals a white Rolls Royce.

An Unexpected Road Trip with Ruby

Shortly after stealing the luxury car, Gus encounters Ruby (Krysten Ritter), a captivating tattoo artist he’s previously been interested in. Despite her initial hesitations, Ruby is drawn in by Gus’s peculiar charm and an offer to escape the city. The two embark on an unconventional road trip, heading out of Manhattan into the natural landscapes of Connecticut. During their journey, they share moments of connection, reflecting on the past and their shared sense of being misfits.

Arrival at the Communal Retreat and Mounting Tensions

The road trip eventually leads Gus and Ruby to a communal retreat, home to an eclectic group of characters including a mystic yoga instructor (Goran Visnjic) and a rock singer named Logan. While Ruby finds herself somewhat at ease in this new environment, Gus’s demons, particularly his drug addiction, begin to surface more intensely. As Gus’s behavior becomes more erratic, he inadvertently creates a subtle rivalry with Logan for Ruby’s attention.

Family Interventions and Imaginary Companions

Gus’s increasingly troubled state eventually leads to him being bailed out of jail by his affluent father (played by director Jerry Zucker). This intervention highlights the underlying family dynamics and Gus’s struggle with his well-off background. Adding to the film’s unique narrative, Gus frequently seeks life advice from an imaginary, philosophical talking werewolf, voiced by Nick Nolte. This imaginary companion underscores Gus’s detachment from reality and his internal struggles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gus (Benedict Samuel): The drug-addicted slacker and protagonist who embarks on a chaotic road trip after stealing a car and attempting suicide.
• Ruby (Krysten Ritter): A stunning tattoo artist who becomes Gus’s reluctant love interest and accompanies him on his tumultuous journey.
• Werewolf (Nick Nolte): Gus’s imaginary, philosophical talking werewolf who offers him bizarre life advice, reflecting his drug-induced state.
• Gus’s Father (Jerry Zucker): Gus’s well-off but distant father who frequently bails him out of trouble.
• Gus’s Mother (Rosanna Arquette): Gus’s bedridden mother, whose presence hints at underlying family dynamics that may contribute to his troubled state.
• Logan Backer (Dov Tiefenbach): A rock singer at the communal retreat who softly battles Gus for Ruby’s attention.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gus: “It’s already white!” – Said dismissively when hired to paint a wall, immediately establishing his slacker and apathetic personality.
• Ruby: “Don’t fall in love with me, but the higher you are the harder you fall.” – Her cautionary warning to Gus, reflecting the turbulent and potentially destructive nature of their relationship amidst his addiction.
• Gus: “Why things used to be so much cooler in the ’70s?” – A rhetorical question he poses to Ruby during their road trip, expressing his deep-seated nostalgia and dissatisfaction with the present era.

💰Box Office

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

💥 Asthma Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Asthma’ not really knowing what to expect, and honestly, I was pretty captivated. There’s this raw, almost voyeuristic feel to how it’s shot – like you’re right there in the messy chaos with Gus and Ruby. The music absolutely sets the mood; it’s like another character, elevating every emotionally charged moment. I found myself surprisingly invested in these characters, especially relating to that feeling of being drawn to someone who’s a complete train wreck. The dialogue felt incredibly real, and some of the situations, no matter how strange, resonated deeply. It’s definitely not a typical romance, but it explores addiction in a way that feels honest and, at times, surprisingly beautiful.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas and character studies”
  • “Viewers interested in raw portrayals of addiction and unconventional romance”
  • “Admirers of Krysten Ritter’s and Benedict Samuel’s work”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong visual aesthetics and unique soundtracks”
  • “Audiences looking for a film with a counter-culture or ’70s-inspired vibe”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of drug use and addiction”
  • “Attempted suicide (briefly shown)”
  • “Mature themes and dialogue”
  • “Some potentially disturbing imagery or situations”
  • “Implied carjacking”

Professional Reviews

• Adapted from user review: “Jake Hoffman’s ‘Asthma’ initially promises a spirited, anti-establishment ride with its charmingly kooky hero, Gus, set to a jangling pop soundtrack. The early road trip, complete with a stolen Rolls-Royce and the magnetic Krysten Ritter, breathes with captivating freedom. However, once the pair reaches a cult-like society, the film’s momentum wanes, and Gus becomes less sympathetic as his demons take over. Despite strong visuals and interesting cameos, it ultimately loses its spark.
• Adapted from user review: “Jake Hoffman’s directorial debut brings a strong cast, but struggles to make its aimless protagonist, Gus, truly engaging. While Krysten Ritter shines with undeniable screen presence, the narrative often drifts, making it challenging to invest in Gus’s drug-fueled journey. The film has moments of visual flair and a commendable soundtrack, offering hope for Hoffman’s future projects, but the central character needed more depth to sustain interest.
• Adapted from user review: “Visually, ‘Asthma’ is a stunning piece, with superb choreography and a perfectly accompanying soundtrack that evokes a strong 60s-70s theme. The cinematography creates memorable images that linger long after viewing. However, the casting choice for Ruby feels somewhat off, occasionally pulling the viewer out of the otherwise immersive experience. Despite this, the film’s aesthetic and musical elements are truly top-notch, showcasing a strong directorial eye for atmosphere.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were particularly drawn into the film’s raw, intimate cinematography, making them feel like an unseen observer.: Many praised the exceptional soundtrack for its perfect mood-setting and emotional depth, along with the visually striking aesthetic that echoed classic 60s-70s cinema.

The dynamic between Gus and Ruby, and Krysten Ritter’s compelling performance, resonated strongly with audiences.: The film’s honest and unique exploration of addiction, combined with its quirky, unpredictable plot, sparked significant discussion among viewers.

Overall Consensus: Asthma is a visually and aurally striking directorial debut that, while perhaps uneven in its narrative drive, offers an intimate and authentic portrayal of addiction and unconventional romance, often elevated by a standout soundtrack and strong performances, particularly from Krysten Ritter.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Asthma marks the directorial debut of Jake Hoffman, who is the son of acclaimed actor Dustin Hoffman.”
• “Renowned filmmaker Jerry Zucker, known for directing ‘Ghost’ and producing many Hollywood films, makes a cameo appearance as Gus’s well-off father.”
• “Nick Nolte provides the voice for Gus’s imaginary philosophical talking werewolf, a unique and surreal element to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Asthma?

As an indie drama from 2016, ‘Asthma’ is generally available for digital purchase or rental on major platforms. You can typically find it for streaming on demand via services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred platform for the latest availability and pricing to rent or buy ‘Asthma’.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Asthma, you might like these similar films:

• Drugstore Cowboy (1989): Explores the lives of a group of drug addicts and their exploits, mirroring ‘Asthma’s’ raw focus on addiction, aimlessness, and a counter-culture lifestyle.
• Easy Rider (1969): Captures the essence of a counter-culture road trip with themes of freedom and disillusionment, resonating with Gus’s yearning for the ’70s and escape.
• Heaven Knows What (2014): Offers a gritty and unflinching look at drug addiction and aimlessness among young people on the streets of New York, similar to ‘Asthma’s’ raw portrayal.
• Panic in Needle Park (1971): A raw and realistic drama depicting heroin addiction and a tumultuous relationship in New York City, providing a stark look at similar themes.

🛒 Asthma Related Products

• Asthma (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the film’s critically acclaimed soundscape, a perfect blend of indie rock and atmospheric tracks that define the film’s unique 70s-inspired mood.
• Rolls Royce Phantom III Die-Cast Model Car (1:24 Scale): A meticulously detailed die-cast replica of the iconic Rolls Royce Phantom III, reminiscent of the white convertible stolen by Gus in the film. Perfect for display.
• Funko Pop! Marvel: Jessica Jones – Jessica Jones Vinyl Figure: Collect the cynical yet compelling private investigator, Jessica Jones, portrayed by the talented Krysten Ritter, who also stars as Ruby in ‘Asthma’.
• Permanent Ink: The Illustrated Guide to Modern Tattooing (Book): Explore the art and culture of tattooing, from classic techniques to contemporary styles. Features stunning artwork and insights into the world of tattoo artists like Ruby.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Mold Baby (And The Queen Midas)” – performed by The So So Glos

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

🤨 FAQ

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