Photo by Sean Tuck © Slabtown Studios / Hidden Creek, LLC
An Unexpected, Emotional Journey
On his 80th birthday, Herb Kaplan (Mike Farrell) receives some unwanted news from his doctor; chances are likely that he won’t be around for his 81st. Cancer seems to have other plans for the retired and widowed “junk hauler.”
Herb, still grieving the loss of his beloved wife the previous year, accepts the news quietly and stoically, initially withholding the terminal prognosis from his two adult sons Rick (Abe Lincoln) and Alan (Josh Garrett), along with Alan’s wife Mariana (Ivette Li-Sanchez) and their young son Jacob (Mateo Ray).
But word quickly seeps out, sending this family on an unexpected, emotional journey familiar to anyone who has ever faced losing a loved one. Denial. Anger. Regret. Finally, hopefully, acceptance.
Welcome to The Strawberry, a new micro-budget indie feature shot entirely on location in Cambria. It’s the latest work by up-and-coming filmmakers Kyle and Carlos Eduardo Plummer.
The talented brothers shared both directing and editing duties on the film, working from a screenplay written by retired Cambria clinical psychologist Steve Brody (with additional writing by Eliot Noel Peters).
We know this journey from a myriad of previous films, ranging from The Savages, to August: Osage County, to Hanging Up. Adult children, often at odds over unresolved issues, have to come together and attempt reconciliation with each other and a departing parent.
What especially distinguishes The Strawberry is the fine work of Farrell, who seems to channel the great Henry Fonda in his approach to the main character. A man of few words. Living (and perhaps ending) life on his own terms. Never as close to his family as he wishes.
Farrell, now 87, remains branded on the minds of Baby Boomers as the co-star of the iconic TV series M*A*S*H. He later appeared as a guest in countless other shows and also became heavily involved in social justice issues.
But here, in the twilight of his career—his first acting credit dates back to 1963—Farrell truly shows both his acting range and humanity with Herb Kaplan. It’s a solid performance.
What a treat it must have been for the other actors to share screen time with this Hollywood veteran—and they seem to sense it. Strong performances across the board, especially from Lincoln, who has the heavy lift of being the initially insensitive son, and Li-Sanchez, who is caught between her frustrated husband and her gruff father-in-law.
Suanne Spoke, who plays opera-loving Sadie, an older woman on a similar life journey, teaches Herb how to use meditation to remain calm. “No matter how much time we have, it never seems to be enough,” Sadie says with a tinge of regret when they first meet. An interesting character and potential supporting relationship, she is sadly underused in the script. She should have “spoke” more.
The beauty of our North Coast punctuates the narrative. Nice work by cinematographer Alex Raban.
In the “minor quibble department,” do we really need all the lingering shots of those clocks on the walls in the first part of the 97-minute movie? We understand that time is running out for Herb without being constantly reminded of it. I’m also not sure if a final payoff related to a Babe Ruth poster is worth the time invested by the co-directors and screenwriter. Minor quibbles.
By now, you’re probably wondering, “OK, but why is this movie about dying called ‘The Strawberry?’” It has to do with a Zen Buddhist principle called “koan” (trust me, it will be easier if you just Google it) and a story/fable/tale that is shared twice during the movie.
Once you hear it, you’ll understand why this is the perfect title for Herb’s ultimate decision.
The Strawberry is already garnering well-deserved praise on the film festival circuit, and I predict more to come. I’ll spare you the obvious possible wordplay about this movie being “ripe” or “fruitful” or the “pick of the crop.” It deserves more thoughtful consideration.
I’ll leave you with this: There’s a lot of heart put up on the screen by the entire cast and crew, anchored by an actor who arguably gives the finest performance of his career. Take the journey.
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival screening of The Strawberry (West Coast Premiere, 97 minutes, USA, rated PG, in English) is scheduled as part of the festival’s Central Coast Filmmakers Showcase on Monday, April 27 at the Palm Theatre. It is sponsored by Kelli Lincoln and Abe Lincoln. The showcase also includes nine short narrative and documentary shorts.