Port Authority

PORT AUTHORITY - MK2

Danielle Lessovitz's Port Authority is a profound and touching exploration of self-acceptance and defiance against social oppression carried with a fabulous performance from Leyna Bloom.

 Fionn Whitehead may be billed as the central lead character playing Paul with the film touted as his feature, however, Port Authority is undoubtedly the breakout feature of Leyna Bloom. The actress is nothing short of phenomenal in an engaging and emotionally rich role with a profound story arc. Bloom showcases a wonderfully tender performance with strong, effective monologues that capture the thoughts and feelings of the character expertly.

It is a shame, however, that the film focuses more on the somewhat lukewarm and underwhelming exploration of Whitehead's Paul. Granted, the story arc is a critical reflection of society with its own specific process and complexities. Detailing themes are included, exploring social oppression regarding toxic masculinity which is the strong and compelling underbelly of the film. With that being said, not only is Whitehead incapable of evolving or engaging the viewer – with his understated performance, which is not necessarily a negative –  but the themes surrounding Bloom's character, Wye are so much more tender and captivating to behold. 

In each emotional and impactive scene, Bloom delivers with a striking and emotive nuance. The screenplay is tight but also minimalistic with scarce verbal emotion present in the screenplay from writer-director, Danielle Lessovitz. The director allows the film to do the talking solely on delivering that critical and vital emotional impact through the visual performance of Bloom, far better than words ever could.

 Vivid and intimate cinematography from Jomo Fray captures the beauty and morbidity of both Paul and Wye's lives in their respective narrative acts and trajectory. Colours twist and turn to project their both their mindset and passion subtly and effectively. Coupled with an intensely foreboding and energetic score from composer, Matthew Herbert, the audible emotion is heightened in a striking demeanour.

On the one hand, Danielle Lessovitz’s Port Authority evokes a similar skewed mentality of a white saviour feature. By not centrally highlighting the arc of Wye and her life, the film takes a massively disappointing return. Yet, on the other hand, Lessovitz's film has brought breakout star, Leyna Bloom to the forefront in a stellar and super performance, and undoubtedly portrays her as the highlight of an emotive and strong feature.