Charli XCX is on an interesting trajectory. From A24’s mockumentary “The Moment” to the “Faces of Death” horror reboot, the pop singer turned actor gives us her best performance yet in the foreign film “Erupcja” from writer-director Pete Ohs. The plot features a volcano, an engagement ring, a childhood friend, and the city of Warsaw. Some say a healthy relationship must have boundaries. In this story, there are none. The influences here range from Richard Linklater and Jim Jarmusch to Susan Seidelman and Greta Gerwig.
Paris takes a backseat to Poland as Bethany (Charli XCX) and Rob (Will Madden) travel to Warsaw. The London couple has been dating for about a year, long enough for Rob to know she’s “the one.” He wanted to propose in the world’s most romantic city, but according to Bethany, “Paris has so much expectation to be romantic that it just isn’t romantic anymore”. Granted, Paris has set the stage for lovers for many centuries, so Bethany has a point. Besides, the Polish capital is more affordable and is often called the “Paris of the East.”
I should mention that Warsaw is where Bethany’s old friend (maybe ex-fling) lives. Her name is Nel (Lena Góra), and she owns a cute little flower shop (literally called that). I should also mention that Rob is unaware of Nel or the history his hope-to-be fiancée has with the florist.
Mount Etna on Sicily’s east coast just erupted. Flights across Europe have been canceled, leaving Rob and Bethany stranded in Poland. Whenever a mountain begins spewing lava, Bethany sees it as a cosmic sign. She first met Nel after a volcano in Iceland erupted. A London student at the time, Bethany was on a field trip to Warsaw when she walked into Nel’s flower shop. She left with a complimentary bouquet of tulips. The next time Bethany was in Warsaw, another volcano erupted, and the two friends knew it was a sign from the universe. Is it a coincidence that Bethany finds herself in Warsaw and, once again, a volcano erupts?
Jacek Zubiel is our omniscient narrator, providing insight into this interesting bunch of characters. The Polish relator plays a crucial role. His verbal stream of consciousness and backstories are reminiscent of François Truffaut’s 1962 film “Jules and Jim.”
In the middle of the night, while Rob’s asleep, Bethany sneaks out of their rented Airbnb, finding herself standing under Nel’s balcony. Sounds like a Shakespeare moment, but Nel points out, “It’s not ‘Romeo and Juliet.” Later, the two will meet again at a party thrown by American artist Claude, the colorful character played by playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris, emanates André Leon Talley vibes. I would enjoy a spinoff on his character.
There are minor players in the story, a collective effort written by Ohs, Harris, Charli XCX, Góra, and Madden, including a lovelorn young man named Jan (Jan Lubaczewski), who is desperately trying to sustain a relationship with the help of flowers, and Nel’s ex, Ula (Agata Trzebuchowska), who shows up to keep things interesting.
Once Bethany bales on Rob at Claude’s party, spending a few days with Nel, the concerned boyfriend attempts to track her down in what resembles a Susan Seidelman rom-com, “Desperately Seeking Bethany?” The international setting and lo-fi aesthetic are a bit like “Before Sunrise,” and there’s a nice “Stranger Than Paradise” atmosphere that complements Ohs’ film. Also, Greta Gerwig’s earlier films came to mind, especially “Frances Ha,” thanks to the anti-romance, combustible friendship themes.
You may be fooled by the up-tempo beats that accompany splashes of color throughout “Erucpja. Those are not courtesy of Charli XCX, despite the film’s star and BRAT-titude. The score is composed by Charlie Watson and Isabella Summers.
(3 ½ stars)
Now showing in theaters
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