Inside Llewyn Davis

From the minds of Joel and Ethan Coen comes this folk tale of one individual’s attempt to negotiate the world of the New York 1960s folk scene.

Llewyn Davis (Isaac) is a struggling folk singer who, since the suicide of his singing partner, has been coasting from numerous venues on the generosity of acquaintances and their sofas. Aimless with no motivation, fixed address, or desired goal for his career, as well as being stuck with a ginger moggy, we witness Llewyn at a moment in his life where certain choices have the potential to change the fabric of his reality and put his life on a track with a destination. One such opportunity offers Llewyn the chance to go to Chicago and play for a renowned record manager. Whether Llewyn acts upon these opportunities is up to only one person; himself.

Inside Llewyn Davis sees the Coens at their moodiest. Their focus is on the concern of artistic integrity, and the compromises some artists may be too stubborn to make in order to become commercially successful, or to simply turn a decent buck. It provides rich and engaging context for the accomplished brothers to wrangle with. The talent on display is undeniable, as the film glides on the strength of lovingly crafted film-making, a warm soundtrack, and fantastic performances, despite the size of certain roles. With stunning cinematography, Inside Llewyn Davis is the Coens at their most melancholic and graceful. A bleakly beautiful film powered by an affecting central performance from Oscar Isaac.

Andrew Gaudion