Over the last decade, streaming services have changed the face of both television and movies. It hasn’t always been for the best; but occasionally the rise of streaming has provided some real benefits. One of those is that, in their never-ending quest for “content” (yeesh!), the streamers have given smaller films and TV shows the chance to be seen by a much wider audience than they might otherwise have attracted. A case in point is Showing Up, now streaming on Netflix.
Showing Up is the latest film from Kelly Reichardt (First Cow). The film was first released in overseas cinemas in 2023 but didn’t manage to secure a general cinema release here despite competing at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. But thanks to the vagaries of streaming economics, you can now find it on your streaming device of choice.
Reichardt is one of the key figures in the “slow cinema” movement, a sub-genre that dates back to Robert Bresson in the 1950s. The general idea is that this is “contemplative” filmmaking, in which elements like plot and action are subjugated to mood and feeling (see also, for example, Jonathan Glazer’s recent The Zone of Interest). Now this is all pretty niche, but it has a dedicated band of followers. I admit I wasn’t one initially, but the style has grown on me.
As noted, Reichardt’s films aren’t really plot-driven, so what happens in Showing Up is pretty minimal. The film revolves around Lizzy, an artist living in contemporary Portland (the one in Oregon). She’s gearing up for a gallery show and has to complete a series of delicate ceramic sculptures over the next few days. But life doesn’t wait for gallery shows, and Lizzy faces a series of challenges. High on the list of problems is a lack of hot water. Lizzy raises the issue with her landlord Jo (Hong Chau). But Jo is also an artist (apparently more successful than Lizzy) preparing for a show. So while Jo makes the right noises, it seems Lizzy’s water problem is a low priority. Then Jo rescues an injured pigeon (it was injured by Lizzy’s cat, but she won’t confess that to Jo). But, once more distracted, Jo foists the bird onto Lizzy. Perhaps more seriously though, Lizzy’s brother Sean (John Magaro) isn’t returning calls from family members and Lizzy is worried about him.
That probably all sounds pretty mundane, but the mundanity is kind of the point. Showing Up explores the nature of work – particularly creative work – and its value to the individual concerned and those around them. Reichardt doesn’t deliver any shocking revelation or grand gesture; but her film has a quiet power that kind of crept up on me. The script by Reichart and Jon Raymond is unerringly perceptive, and occasionally pointedly funny.
But the film wouldn’t have any of such power without a wonderful performance from Michelle Williams (The Fablemans) to anchor it. This is basically Lizzy’s interior story, so it needs an actor who can translate that inner world into outward action, and Williams doesn’t disappoint. Hong Chau (Asteroid City) lends solid support as Jo, while Andre Benjamin (a.k.a. Andre 3000) shows up as one of the artisans Lizzy works with. Look out to for former heartthrob James Le Gros in a smaller role, and the fabulous Judd Hirsch as Lizzy’s father.
Showing Up is the cinematic equivalent of curling up with a blanket and a good book. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it might just make you think.
You can stream Showing Up now on Netflix; or rent or buy it on other platforms
David Edwards
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Roma – movie and streaming review
- First Cow – movie review
- High Flying Bird (Netflix) – movie review
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television