New Jerusalem (2011) takes the trope of the talkative co-worker to an intimate, thoughtful level. In a Virginian garage, two men are first seen moving tires around the driveway. Sean (Colm O’Leary) is brooding and quiet, opening up a little to the inquisitive Ike (Will Oldham). Originally from Ireland, but having served in the US military in Afghanistan, Sean is a recent transplant trying to find his way. Ike takes an interest in Sean, particularly after a panic attack where Sean hides away in the bathroom during a work day. Ike’s overtures of concern are tinged with his own beliefs as a Christian, which invests Sean as a personal project to show the true path of spiritual belief and observance.
Director Rick Alverson, co-writing his script with actor O’Leary, avoids some of the easy tensions between the pair, finding moments of male intimacy that recall another indie drama starring Oldham, Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy, and being interested in the uncertain nature of this push-and-pull relationship. Generally, Sean is very passive and goes along with Ike’s questions and outings, and yet there isn’t a straightforward answer. Sean’s depression isn’t simply from PTSD but revealed to be a life-long struggle, and Alverson observes Ike’s religious beliefs without judgement, particularly a church session that he takes Sean to.
Observational and absorbing, particularly as you fall into the rhythms of their small town life and the work days, the lunchtime conversations and after hours hangs showing their characters more and their growing connection, as strange and as unnameable as it is.
Available to stream on Kanopy. Recommended.
VHS Tracking 