Friends, Foes & Fireworks

Sarah Portelli and Ivan Malekin co-direct the inspired "Friends, Foes & Fireworks," an entrancing drama that shrewdly leverages naturalistic acting and framed-but-often-improvised dialogue to drive its compelling story.

Come the end of the year, Fiona Day (Lara Deam) gets a medical diagnosis that stops her in her tracks. Self-ostracized by resulting anxiety, she reengages by hosting a New Year's Eve party with gal pals. Whatever Fiona's expectations were going into it, they're soon shattered, as unresolved tensions explode up through the fault lines. New Year's Eve is a cornerstone time for self-reflection, and each of these women have now given each other plenty to reflect about.

Aptly-named, "Friends, Foes & Fireworks" is a great ensemble piece driven by consistent performances from Deam, Genya Mik, Jess Riley, Whitney Duff, Asleen Mauthoor, and Daniel Hill. It's a credit to its filmmakers that we feel like we're the proverbial fly on the wall; a collective hidden camera eavesdropping on the party's slowly ratcheting dynamics. The film's great storytelling and conspicuous actor chemistry will command your attention throughout. - Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!