Fourteen is a character-driven drama film that explores the complexities and nuances of a long-lasting friendship between two women, Mara and Jo. The movie is a slice-of-life portrayal of their journey, spanning over several years of their lives, as they navigate through the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives.
The movie is directed by Dan Sallitt and stars Tallie Medel as Mara and Norma Kuhling as Jo. The film opens with Mara and Jo meeting as teenagers and quickly bonding over their shared love for writing. As they grow older, their friendship remains a constant in their ever-changing lives.
Mara is portrayed as a reliable and stable person, often putting her own needs aside to help Jo, who is troubled and prone to making impulsive decisions. Mara frequently drops everything to come to Jo's aid, but Jo's unpredictable behavior and detached attitude towards their friendship begin to take a toll on Mara.
As the movie progresses, we see the two friends drifting apart, with Jo struggling with drug addiction and finding herself in toxic relationships. Mara, on the other hand, finds stability in her job and a loving partner. The contrast in their lives is stark, and it becomes evident that their friendship can no longer sustain itself without some major changes.
The last act of the movie sees Jo becoming a mother, and Mara struggling to come to terms with the new dynamic between them. The movie ends on a poignant note, with the friends still connected but acknowledging that their relationship has changed forever.
Overall, Fourteen is a subtle and nuanced portrayal of friendship and the challenges that come with it. The film's strengths lie in its understated performances, realistic dialogue, and the way it captures the mundanity of life while still managing to convey deep emotional truths.