“Just because somebody blames you or pushes you away, doesn’t mean you should give up.”
Often in the hardest phase in life, one couldn’t pass through it without a company of a friend. At the very least, someone who is there by your side, when the world seems to don’t care. For Fred (Colm Meaney) it was Cathal (Colin Morgan), a young man addicted to drug. They live as ‘neighbors’ in the carpark, as both live in a car. Fred is an awkward prude man, while Cathal is an easygoing and playful guy. One’s personality differences actually help another.
Cathal encourage Fred to approach a woman they met by the pool, Jules (Milka Ahlroth), while Fred pushes Cathal to stop using drugs and to live healthier. To get the endorsement and attention, Fred must be willing to get himself featured in the media. But first he must tell Jules about that fact. Unfortunately, the plan to tell her is ruined since Fred found Cathal missing.
I actually didn’t have much expectation on Parked, seeing the ratings online. Ratings can fool you sometimes, and again movies are personal. But I couldn’t help but sympathize to Fred, this appear-to-be-honest-and-kind-man. The kind of man who always follow the rules, but seems to be broken by his own life path. Fred also seem to be a guy who holds his pride, but couldn’t help but feel sad because he lives in a car. Even so, he’s a very organized, looking at his morning ritual; playing music on his tape, brushing his teeth and even water his little plant. I just couldn’t help but thinking why somehow he lives in a car. But that doesn’t seem to be the focus in this movie.
Cathal is an interesting personality, seem to be happy with his place but not in reality. He’s being blamed by his father because his mother is dead. Cathal escapes to drugging, and danger himself because he borrowed big money to get the drugs. Luckily he met Fred, who appear to be a friend but scold him like a father. Cathal often said to Fred that his drugging habit is not that severe as using drug injection. As fragile as he seems, Cathal made Fred do things that he’s afraid to do before.
There’s Jules who’s strangely being sincere to Fred, delightful and kind, just the woman Fred can be with. She’s the type of woman you’d feel reluctant because she’ll be kind to you no matter what. I guess that’s why Fred often looked amazed when she talked to him.
Parked explained these three characters very well, and when they collaborate it feels natural. Excellent script and plot, and how it uses common (not exactly prominent) lead but still enchanting. I personally loved Colin Morgan’s performance, very convincing and have strong impression. Also loved the melancholy feel music score. Overall, Parked is one beautiful movie about friendship. Perhaps not as heart-stabbing as Tyrannosaur, but still quite moving.
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