Clementine regularly flirts with being a different movie than it is. Elements of Single White Female (1992) creep in on top of lighthearted teen break-up movies (take your pick), but direct comparisons are difficult to make as Clementine only hints at these influences rather than embracing them full on. The results are a mixed bag of high-quality drama and naive teen angst rebellion that somehow forms into a decent exploration of relationship dynamics. It may not wow, but it has a relatable aspect that should ring true for anyone who’s found themselves on the receiving end of a break-up.
However, Clementine isn’t strictly a movie about failed relationships, even if the effects of one lingers throughout the film. As Karen (Otmara Marrero) comes to terms with the manipulative nature of her ex (played mostly off-screen by Sonya Wagler), she befriends a younger girl with troubles of her own (Sydney Sweeney). As their friendship grows, it becomes clear that neither is being honest about themselves, but more importantly, that Karen is taking on the role of the “older woman,” even repeating some of the crafty words and phrases that worked on her.
At any moment, Clementine could have spun out of control into a clichéd thriller or wannabe Persona (1966), but it thankfully never plumbs those depths. It almost does time and again, but pulls back at just the right moment, leaving a combination of relief and wanting slightly more. As an exploration of identity and envy, Clementine mostly works, but its lethargic build-up to a somewhat anticlimactic third act reveal might leave some disappointed despite it being a good story that’s shot, acted, and scored wonderfully.
VOD streaming available May 8, 2020.
James is a writer, skateboarder, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.