Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
During Sunday family dinner, Jean Jones (Taylour Paige) answers a knock at the door of her grandmother’s home. When she greets the man on the other side, he drops dead. With the family rushing to find out what happened, we learn this man is Jean’s estranged grandfather. His death sets off chaos within the family, bringing old conflicts and family secrets to the surface.
There is a lot going on over the course of Jean of the Joneses short running time, but first-time Writer/Director Stella Meghie manages to navigate through much of the family turmoil with style and a remarkably authentic wit. The drama and dry humour give the Film a distinct feeling, and feels very much akin to the work of a young Woody Allen. Relative unknown Paige is great as the youngest member of the family, struggling to learn more about the grandfather she never knew while the rest of her life crumbles around her. It’s a brave performance, and one that feels quite natural within the wonderful group of actresses Meghie cast around her. I can only hope we continue to see great things in the future from both of these young talents.
Search Engine Films release JEAN OF THE JONESES in Toronto on Friday, November 11, 2016.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com