Power, and the abuse of it, is what Tom’s character is all about. The script, co-authored by Dack and Audrey Findlay, provides a meticulous study of the art of grooming, as Tom isolates the girl from her peers, while assuring her that only he can see her special features. that quality, before revealing his true purpose. A key mark of a great actor is the ability to hold our attention just by listening, and McInerny is absolutely mesmerized as we watch him study Tucker’s face, holding on to hope even as it begins. the cracks in its attractive façade. An intense long shot deftly lensed by the cinematographer Chananun Chotrungroj said Lea as her new found trap suddenly sank into ruin.
“Palm Trees and Power Lines” is one of the best films I’ve seen in 2022, and even though it made my top ten list last year while earning four worthy Film Independent Spirit Award nominations- for Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best. Breakthrough Performance (McInerny) and Best Supporting Performance (Tucker)—the film finally has its official release in theaters and on VOD on Friday, March 3. My wife and I have been championing the picture since we caught it during in the virtual edition of Sundance last year, where Dack received the Directing Award in the US Dramatic competition. So it was a great honor for me to recently speak at length with Dack, McInerny and Tucker via Zoom for RogerEbert.com about their unforgettable collaboration.
There is no one I am more excited to see nominated for this year’s Spirit Awards than the three of you.
Lily McInerny (LM): Well, thank you!
Jonathan Tucker (JT): Matt, you’ve been so supportive of the show, especially on social media, and without voices like yours on your platform, Lily, Jamie and I wouldn’t be sitting here, so thank you so much, so much.
This film hit me on the deepest possible level, because I had close friends who were targeted in a similar way by predators who isolated them by saying things like, “No one understands you better than I do.” To what extent does research play a role in creating this level of authenticity?