FANTASIA 2020: Patrick
fantasiaStreaming as part of the 2020 Fantasia International Film Festival, Patrick not only serves as the feature directorial debut for Tim Mielants but also as an attempt at a serious social commentary. Patrick (Kevin Janssens), a socially awkward man living and working alongside his father at his naturist camping grounds, has to confront his living situation and deeper fears as he searches for his missing hammer. Where Mielants succeeds in creating a quirky and enjoyable film, he struggles to create one with much impact or emotional catharsis.
From the very first scene, where the camera pans down onto Patrick as he swims naked in the middle of a lake, the film is apparent and open regarding its desires to not only be a quirky comedy but exist in a quirky world. From setting the film in a clothing-optional camping site to the variety of characters that weave their way into the story, this is a movie that seemingly prides itself on its uncanny interpretation of the world it takes place in. One of the clearest manifestations of this is in the performance by Kevin Janssens. His lead performance as Patrick is truly transformative – not just physically but also emotionally. Kevin Janssens sells the subtle inner turmoil within his character with an authentic calmness that is truly standout, which isn't to lessen the praise for the screenplay coming from Tim Mielants and Benjamin Sprengers that really shines in these moments. For these brief moments, Patrick really connects as a nuanced and meaningful story, which makes it all the more frustrating to see the rest of the running time.
In an effort for comedy and style, the film fills itself with random subplots, such as Patrick searching frantically for his missing hammer, that drastically outstay their welcome. Even if the point was to show that change bothers the character, that is something accomplished within a minute of introducing the concept and fails to justify the extended times the film returned to this plot. This passive focus on unneeded filler takes all urgency out of the film and waters down the emotion present. Had the screenplay been more focused, it easily could have been an impactful and memorable exploration but, instead, feels like a bland and missed opportunity. This also causes the film to feel quite long, despite it carrying a shorter runtime coming in at just over 90-minutes.
Patrick is a film that clearly has a good heart and nearly becomes something truly special, only to drop the ball and fail overall to deliver at the end. Nothing can take away the strength of Kevin Janssens' performance or some of the smaller more subtle moments of emotion, but the overall viewing experience feels drawn out and dull. Due to this, it is hard to recommend the film, as the payoff fails to deliver and justify the experience of actually watching the film.
