The Usual

About This Movie

The Usual is an understated exploration of relationships, centered around Claire, a young woman navigating her feelings for two men. One, a charming cook at the diner where she works, offers warmth and familiarity, while the other presents a different kind of allure, more mysterious. The film has this slow, almost languid pacing that allows the audience to really soak in Claire's internal struggles. The performances feel genuine, especially in the smaller moments that bring out a lot of subtlety. The use of practical effects is minimal, but it adds to the realness of the setting, making you feel right there in that Minnesota diner. It's not flashy, but there's a certain raw honesty that stands out amidst the typical romantic dramas of the time.

Character-driven narrativeSubtle performancesAtmospheric setting