As "Soulmates" (2021 release; 91 min.) opens, we are introduced to Sam and Jess, two Vermonters who are BFFs. They are also part of a community that is protesting the arrival of Peterson Maple, an out-of-state maple producer that threatens the Vermont maple syrup industry. One of Peterson's top executives is a guy named Landon, and wouldn't you know, Jess strikes up a conversation (and soon, more than that) with Landon... At this point we are 10 min into the movie, but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this film is directed by Timothy Armstrong ("Cowgirls 'n Angels"). More importantly the script is written by Alexandra Case and Stephanie Lynn, who also play the lead roles of Sam and Jess. From the get-go, the movie feels like something is seriously off, and then it struck me: we're not watching a movie in the traditional sense of the word. This is a TV show disguised as a movie. Everything is measured out to be completed wholly and without ambiguity. Just like "Cheers", except that this isn't the bar where everyone knows your name, but instead it's small-town Vermont, where everyone knows your name. "Soulmates" is feel-good TV on a big screen, but it felt unsatisfactory to me. Heck, if I wanted this, I could've stayed home and watch "How I Met Your Mother" (one of Lynn's prior roles). As far as the "comedy" side of things: I had exactly one moment that made me smile: when Sam gifted a T-shirt that reads "Make Syrup Not War". No, really.
"Soulmates" opened out of the blue this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Saturday early evening screening where I saw this at was not attended well: exactly 3 people including myself. I must say, this is the second movie in short order that I've seen there that falls way short of expectations (the other one being "Dangerous", certifiably the worst movie of the year). Not a good sign. But of course don't take my word for it. If you are in the mood for watching a TV quality comedy on the big screen, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
