First-time filmmakers and real-life couple Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater bring ‘Downtown Owl’ to the screen, a feature film shot in and around St. Paul two years ago. The film boasts a strong cast, including Ed Harris, Vanessa Hudgens, and Finn Wittrock, and effectively transforms local landmarks like the Spot Bar and Highland Park High School into the fictional North Dakota town of Owl.
Rabe shines as Julia, a character who arrives in Owl to teach a semester at the local high school, seeking to provide space for her husband to complete his graduate thesis. However, the film’s script introduces a blur of characters, including several teens, a football coach, and a fellow teacher, all of whom seem to populate the town without clear purpose or development.
The film introduces numerous side plots that ultimately muddle the narrative, making it difficult to understand the motivations and significance of certain characters. Rabe and Linklater appear to aim for the whimsical and surreal vibe of the Coen brothers’ ‘Fargo,’ but they fall short, resulting in a 90-minute runtime that feels twice its length.
Despite the impressive acting, ‘Downtown Owl’ struggles to deliver a coherent and engaging story. While the local locations add a layer of charm, they cannot compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings. In the end, ‘Downtown Owl’ earns a modest 2 out of 5 stars, showcasing strong performances but ultimately lacking in storytelling substance.
