Review: Parker’s Anchor

 

Parker’s Anchor
Release Date: 2017
Director: Marc Hampson
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: Not Rated
IMDb Score: 5.9/10

Disclaimer: I recieved this film to study and review.

What happens when your perfect life hits upon an impassable obstacle? For Parker’s Anchor (2017) the answer is not in the destination, but in the voyage itself. Titular Krystal Parker (played by screenwriter Jennica Schwartzman) is struggling after her miscarriage and infertility crumble her once passionate marriage. She is forced to move from the city to a small town and support herself. Through the opening monologue we learn that eventually Krystal rebuilds and has a family, but first she has to overcome her grief and depression to move on. Along the way she gathers an extended family of new and old friends.
If I had to guess, this film was made by a gang of cinematographers. Each shot was lit and staged with thought and care. Nighttime scenes were clean and felt natural. For an indie production, this felt big budget and allowed focus to be put on the actors. The chemistry between cast members was relaxed and comfortable. Sexy breakfast dance anyone? The inside jokes and shared culture sell their past history. Purpose-composed karaoke tunes are the icing on the cake. Krystal’s emotions are then reflected in the score. The intesity ramps up with her initial despair, then becomes sparse when her isolation comes to a head. Dynamics and texture carried the mood more than the harmonies, which carried a more neutral tone. Disembodied conversations, voices and the wide staging of characters and props emphasize this too. Krystal’s life is not her own. When Krystal finally stumbles into the adorkable relationship with Jared, played by Fanboys (2009) star Chris Marquette, lighter and diegetic music takes over and scenes overlap. She finally has agency, she can take care of herself and make her own decisions. While it is suggested that the initial narrator is Krystal’s anchor, Krystal ends up being her own anchor.
Overall Parker’s Anchor is a delicately paced cute romantic film.  It allows for reflection of Parker’s journey, a journey that includes an issue that does not usually get this level of care and respect. Miscarriage and infertility does not define Parker, and she learns to create her own self-worth. Tissues are in order for both sweet and melancholy moments. I see this film as a perfect compliment to book clubs and ‘girls’ night in’.  It pairs well with wine and ice cream, and friends. -Nicole