A chance encounter leads to a cherished friendship in “Taxi Monamour,” director Ciro De Caro’s film about two very different women who form a bond that feels unbreakable. De Caro’s observational storytelling approach offers a refreshing take on female friendship, focusing on a rapport that is newly formed rather than one steeped in years of shared history. Unfortunately, there’s not enough substance to the story to keep it engaging.
Anna (Rosa Palasciano) is conflicted. She isn’t getting along well with her own family, and she’s facing an illness that she’s desperately trying to keep secret. Cristi (Yeva Sai) is a wartime refugee who has fled her country, and she’s struggling with the concept of being so far away from her home. It’s simply by chance that these two women find each other, but their first meeting develops into a system of care and support that each so desperately needed.
The portrayal of the relationship between Anna and Cristi feels genuine and unforced, which offers a nice departure from the usual narratives of lifelong friendships. The interactions between the two women are warm, authentic, and anchored by Anna, a character so likeable that you’d want her as a sister or a friend in real life. The dialogue is raw and honest, and their chemistry is believable.
However, beyond this central relationship, the film struggles to gain and maintain momentum. By making the choice to stay back and observe the intimate interactions between her two lead characters, De Caro’s directorial style comes across like a polished version of Italian mumblecore. There’s an emphasis on everyday routines and the minutiae of life, which makes the narrative essentially a “here’s what I did today” glimpse into the lives of these two women. While I’m sure this approach was an attempt to yield some sort of profound insight into the human condition, here it simply results in a story where not much happens.
The film culminates in an unsatisfying ending, which is particularly disappointing after viewers are asked to invest so much time in the very thin story. With not much happening plot-wise, “Taxi Monamour” feels more boring than entertaining, leaving you with the sense that it could have delved deeper into its characters and their histories. Despite its admirable attempt to capture something intimate and true, the film ultimately lacks the narrative drive.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 