With Sacramento, director Michael Angarano and company craft a simple, yet compelling tale about fatherhood and friendship.
In Sacramento, after leaving psychiatric care, Rickey (Michael Angarano, Laid), a charming yet manipulative wanderer, recruits his long-time best friend Glenn (Michael Cera, Christmas Eve at Miller’s Point) for a trip. So, they go on an impromptu trip to Sacramento, CA from L.A. Despite deep reservations about Rickey, Glenn decides to go. However, this is thanks to his pregnant wife Rose’s (Kristen Stewart, Love Lies Bleeding) encouragement. So from there, the two get into mishaps and misadventures. However, along the way, the two must confront the past. But, also the future as friends and with impending responsibility.
On the Road in Sacramento
With Sacramento, co-writer and director Michael Angarano (Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1) makes his directorial debut. He crafts a nice and pleasant ride from beginning to end. With the help of co-writer Chris Smith (Friends From College), the two explore facing adulthood and fatherhood themes. All the while, they use those themes to explore further the characters and their differences. Moreover, the film conveys a sense of melancholy breeziness. This is thanks to the director of photography, Ben Mullen’s cinematography.
Furthermore, Mullen successfully captured the vast simpleness of the open road. Supporting this is the film’s use of the 4:3 aspect ratio. This forces the film to center its framing. Through this, it squares the audience in on the characters.
Plus the production design echoes this. Production designer Susanna Honey (Night Shift) constructs the sets with the same practical sense as the cinematography. So, we also glimpse the character’s lives, world, and mental headspace. Moreover, composer Peter Erskine delivers a jazz-filled symphony. One that breathes life into the film. It does so through use of drums and trumpets filling out the speakers. Which is all backed by a percussion sound that, as a result, helps the film’s speed. With a running time of only an hour and twenty minutes, editor Max Goldblatt (In a Relationship….) lays the film out simply. In addition, Goldblatt manages to highlight the character dynamics, all the while keeping the momentum of the story.
Performances in Sacramento
Led by Angarano (Oppenheimer), the cast delivers a solid range of performances. As Rickey, Angarano balances likability with charm and charisma. But, through that facade, there is a callousness towards everyone. Angarano does a good job of displaying this. But, this soon becomes challenged as Rickey winds up in Michael Cera’s (Life and Beth) crosshairs. Speaking of Cera, he plays Glenn with his usual comedic style of fumbling awkwardness. Yet, with one difference. There is a seething temperament that is willing to be explored. Cera demonstrates this wholeheartedly.
Lastly, rounding out the cast is Kristen Stewart (Love Live) as Rosie, Glenn’s pregnant wife. As his wife, Stewart manages to have solid but compelling chemistry with Cera’s Glenn. Through Stewart’s general stoicism, the film conveys much about their relationship while not saying too much. Finally, there’s Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) as Tallie, a former flame of Rickey. While Erskine has limited screen time, she exhibits laugh-out-loud humor and seriousness. Sometimes at the same time. Which, in turn, creates a fun dynamic with Angarano’s Rickey.
Final Thoughts
For his feature debut Sacramento, actor-turned-director Michael Angarano creates a nice and pleasant ride. Also it’s one that serves as a simple yet compelling ode to fatherhood and growing up. Additionally, Angarano and company tackle these themes with a simple breeziness. So, it sets the stage for the entire film. Furthermore, Angarano leads a stellar cast alongside Michael Cera as the standout. Overall, Sacramento is a breezy directorial debut with a lot on its mind.
