Old Joy Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Old friends reunited

Two old friends meet up to visit a hot spring out in the woods and spend a night camping out in Oregon. There's no incident or thrill to be found in this slight piece and the viewer's enjoyment depends as much on what they may bring to the film as to what the film delivers. We learn very little about the character's back-story and this allows the viewer to meditate on their own lost friendships and on life's small disappointments.

Old Joy is one of those films that celebrates the small moments in life; the transcendent beauty of nature, the sudden realisation that this is all there is. Old Joy feels like an old friend with its comfortable silences and gentle humour and its worth taking the trip with this film.

Relaxing, moody, great music

I think the other reviews posted here are pretty harsh. The pace of the film is definitely laid back as fits the focus of the film (two buddies walking in the woods with a dog and discussing their lives) but it's a short film and an enjoyable watch. The music is brilliant (produced exclusively for the film by Yo La Tengo) and as the film stars Palace Music/Bonnie Prince Billy's maverick songwriter there is a special interest for his fans too. The performances are good and the film is brooding without being too heavy. There are a few things to think about in the film but nothing here will make you go wow.