Paddleton (2019)

What is so great about the Netflix model is how little films like Paddleton, which in the past struggled to find audiences and therefore were harder to get made, can now reach the audiences which can enjoy the film. While many may not have made a point of paying to see this in a cinema, there are moments in Paddelton that make it worth finding an audience.

Paddleton is the story of two friends following them through a period of time once one of them is diagnosed with incurable cancer and decides to end his life. I didn't think Paddleton offered much new or revelatory when it came to the issue of making these end of life decisions, but what it did was tell a very honest and touching story about it.

Ray Romano is the centre of the film, his character's eccentricities are excessively charming and his journey through accepting his friends oncoming death is what makes Paddleton so satisfying to watch. Mark Duplass has the more challenging task of playing the "straight" man reacting to Romano's oddball. He pulls it together at the end making a very convincing portrait of a man facing the end of his life by choice. Together they have great chemistry and their friendship feels very truthful which makes Paddleton a rewarding watch.

Paddleton
Starring: Ray Romano, Mark Duplass
Director: Alex Lehmann
Writers: Mark Duplass, Alex Lehmann