Look up the definition of a parachute and you will find, "a device that enables a person to jump from an aircraft and float safely to the ground. It consists of a large piece of thin cloth attached to your body by strings". As children, we are taught to play with parachutes in gym class by throwing them up in the air and running under them as they slowly float down again. In Business a Golden Parachute is "a large payment or other financial compensation guaranteed to a company executive should the executive be dismissed as a result of a merger or takeover" but in life, a parachute might be described as an individual who assists another individual as they metaphorically fall.
The latter definition could easily be used to describe 2023's film, Parachute. Premiering at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March, the movie marks the feature film directorial debut of actor Brittany Snow who is known for her roles in Hairspray, X, and the Pitch Perfect franchise. The autobiographical storyline follows Riley (Courtney Eaton; Gods of Egypt) as she navigates life after recently having been released from an in-patient treatment facility for an eating disorder caused by body dysmorphic disorder.
Sitting on the curb in the rain, outside the treatment facility, Riley, once again tries to reach her mother and her best friend hoping someone would come pick her up. At one point she even considers calling her ex-boyfriend. Once Riley's best friend, Casey (Francesca Reale, Stranger Things), finally arrives, she convinces Riley to go to a party with her despite being warned by the treatment center staff that it isn't a good idea. At the bar, Riley meets Ethan (Thomas Mann; Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) and the two immediately hit it off. For the next hour and a half, the audience watches as their friendship/relationship grows and then disintegrates all while Riley tries to navigate life and her disorder.
Knowing the film was co-written and directed by Snow, one can't help but wonder how this young, 20-something star could see herself as anything less than beautiful. However, even though we are aware Riley = Snow (mostly), we lose sight of the well-known actor as we watch Eaton embody Riley and all her "quirks". Snow's depiction is honest, even harsh at times with some "tough love" moments and a stark reminder that no matter how the outside sees someone, it can't negate how they see themselves. Snow's emphasis on Riley's "twitching", whether playing with a bracelet on her wrist or tensing her hand at the side of her body when stressed or showing close-ups of body parts of other women that Riley focuses on and immediately compares herself to, offers a deeper insight and understanding of body dysmorphia and how debilitating it can be.
Eaton beautifully displays these "twitches" and certainly was helped by Snow's direction of events that occurred in real life to honestly portray an individual with the disorder. Exceptionally poignant is the scene where Riley, in a state of panic, looks in the bathroom mirror and begins literally circling the areas of her body where she sees "fat", though the audience would be hard-pressed to notice said areas. Mann, as Riley's newest friend, who, based on past relationships is an enabler, does a wonderful job of playing the supporter Riley does yet doesn't need while effectively ignoring his own issues.
Parachute is engaging and "in your face" without being preachy. It doesn't make Riley a victim nor does it let Ethan off the hook for trying to be everyone's savior. Their co-dependent relationship isn't easily resolved to land at the typical "Hollywood" happy-ever-after ending nor should it. If I had one criticism, it would be that there are too many side characters/subplots to completely focus on Riley and Ethan.
If Snow can adeptly convert other screenwriters' works as well as she did her own story, she will have a successful career as a director for many years to come. I, for one, hope she can as she has made an indelible mark with her first feature film.
In the meantime, Parachute is a strong first showing for the person everyone knows as the bright, bubbly blonde, but who secretly swallowed her pain for so many years.
Grade: B+
