Iliza Shlesinger's "Chasing Summer" is a Delightfully Messy Love Letter to Texas

The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah is not only one of the "big five" festivals around the world, but also the first to take place in the calendar year. It sets a precedent for the new movies that will be on the public's mind for the next 365 days. This year, one of the most unexpected standouts was Iliza Shlesinger's Chasing Summer, capturing the hearts and attention of festival-goers alike. Just over a month later, the film has made its way to South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, Shlesinger's home state where the entire movie takes place. Making its official Texas debut yesterday at the historic Paramount Theater, Shlesinger told festival-g0ers that she wanted to make a "love letter to Texas." But does Chasing Summer still hold up in front of the audience it aims to represent?

Chasing Summer is a new comedy feature directed by Josephine Decker, written by its star, Iliza Shlesinger, known for her previous work as a standup comedian. The film follows Jamie (Shlesinger), an elder millennial woman forced to return to her small Texas hometown after losing both her job and boyfriend in the same day. Forced to spend a summer in the town that she's convinced has hated her since high school, Jamie confronts her tumultuous past and family life as her once stable life is turned upside down. In addition to Shlesinger, the film also features the talents of Megan Mullally, Tola Tung, Garrett Wareing, and Tom Welling.

Chasing Summer was one of the films I missed at Sundance this year. Nothing about it caught my attention, but by the time it started becoming the talk of the town, the festival was mere days from ending and screenings were completely full. But I must say, there was something special about seeing its Texas premiere yesterday, mere seats away from the cast and crew.

While introducing the film, Iliza Shlesinger said this was her attempt at writing a female character who was allowed to be as "messy as possible." Since the literal dawn of time, women have expected to be poised, calm, and put-together, so it was refreshing to see a female character unravel so completely on camera. It is so easy to root for Jamie as a person, and the juxtaposition of a modern woman in her very traditional southern town left room for so much relatable comedy. While everyone in the cast did a great job, I simply couldn't get enough of Megan Mullally as Jamie's mother, and neither could the rest of my theater.

Without spoiling anything, the twist ending of this film is so shocking and ridiculous, it caused everyone in the Paramount theater to lose their minds. All I will say is: make sure you go in as blind as possible. As someone who always felt out of place in her hometown and had a downright hellish experience in high school, I couldn't help but identify with Jamie, even though we grew up in such different environments. Chasing Summer also showcases this side of Texas that I've never seen on screen before. Even as a New Englander, Shlesinger and company made it feel like home.

Technically proficient, Chasing Summer employs the talents of several talented crew members like cinematographer, Eric Branco and production designer Sue Chan whose work absolutely brought this film to life.

Chasing Summer is a tried and true comedy that has some real heart, personality, and pride for the state of Texas. It's a movie for those who "get it," being women, millennials, comedy fans, or anyone who finds themselves in an unexpected place in life. If you are part of any of those groups, I bet this film will make you feel less alone.