Tribeca 2011: Rid of Me Review
By David Kempler
A Keeper
Want to have a great time and be extremely uncomfortable at the very same time? Then do yourself a favor and head out to see "Rid of Me", a black comedy with a lighthearted touch that will warm you while making you queasy. Director James Westby (he also wrote it) displays a great touch by melding incredibly disparate characters into a piece that works on many different levels.
Newlyweds Mitch (John Keyser) and Meris (Katie O'Grady) are moving to Mitch's hometown, where he has recently accepted a new job. Mitch looks like the All-American type. Perhaps he played football in high school and drank beers with his buddies until none of them could move.
Meris is almost caved into herself. She is cute but self-conscious, not in a way that would probably bother you, unless of course you were part of the group of Mitch's childhood friends. When Meris is introduced, it is so clear that she is the one that doesn't belong that everyone in the room is on total cringe mode. You'll feel the same way in the audience.
A few viewers actually walked out early on and I confess that the thought crossed my mind as well. But I had nowhere to go, and it was raining outside, so I hung around. I am incredibly glad that I did, because "Rid of Me" takes off and where it goes is joyous, even if the cringe factor remains.
The main reason it all works so well is solid writing, directing, and especially the performance of Ms. O'Grady. She gives a bravura portrayal that will have you rooting hard for her, even while you don't totally approve of a lot of her behaviors.
"Rid of Me" is a winner, as long as you can handle feelings of discomfort while enjoying yourself. It is a wonderfully uncomfortable time, and while it will never reach a mass audience, you'll be very happy if it reaches you.
