Permission

Permission 2

Rebecca Hall’s warmly realistic comic drama delivers a “Hey, how about me, too?” message. While that branch off of the modern day movement may not pack as much of a punch to the gut, it’s just as valid and, maybe for some, important.

Playing a woman just about to marry her long time boyfriend, Hall leads a lively group of players, all of whom are facing their own questions. Should I do this? What am I sacrificing? Am I selling myself short? And these, as presented in writer/director Brian Crano’s low key, almost casual style, are recognizable to anyone who’s been on the precipice and felt just a little more than cold feet.

While the action (not to give too much away, ha) focuses mostly on Hall and her fiancé, a fine Dan Stevens, there’s a parallel subplot in which a gay couple also looks to a future with or without children. It’s a lovely bit of business and one which hasn’t been addressed often in recent releases.

While the film does wander and get a bit too into its own attempts at goofiness, the more potent stuff involving commitment, using others and devotion is solid and nicely played by all. While the piece as a whole may feel as if it is amiable enough but won’t change anybody’s life, I can’t shake the feeling that, indeed, it just might.