Juniper (2023)

Sam (George Ferrier) loves his life away from home at a boarding school–but his wild ways have landed him in some trouble. Now, suspended, and nowhere to go but home–Sam is forced to look after his alcoholic grandmother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling), as punishment. He has no intention of looking after this bitter old woman, but he will soon find that their shared time will be far more beneficial than he could have imagined. Juniper tells the story of this time, and what it means to each of them.

Juniper is exactly what viewers expected it to be based on the synopsis. I’m not sure that anything that happens throughout the course of the film is a surprise, but I sort of like that. A lot of times in life, based on the things we do, we can figure out what’s coming next–and there’s a clear trajectory that both Sam and Ruth travel on throughout the course of the film. I appreciate the honesty, I appreciate the fact that Writer-Director Matthew J. Saville doesn’t attempt to play any tricks on his viewers, but rather he sticks to what we know.

Saville creates characters that are, even in the opening moments, clearly multidimensional–and viewers are immediately attracted to them. They are witty, angry, funny, and a plethora of other things that simply make them human, and each of their many characteristics are beautifully showcased throughout the course of Juniper. These characters, however, aren’t just likable, they are loveable–and that comes as a result of what Saville is able to put down on the page and give to his team. He creates very real characters that speak to viewers, that transcend the realities of Juniper and reach out and touch anyone willing to watch–but they also exist as a result of what Ferrier and Rampling bring to the table as well.

Ferrier sort of seems like a nobody–like a guy you’d pass on the street and never think about again. He’s attractive, but he’s likely not the one girls are fighting over at the party. Rampling looks like every grandmother I’ve ever met, including my own. What do you do with actors who look so simple, that don’t really demand attention, and would likely be alright with never receiving it? You cast them in roles that everyone is familiar with, ones we’ve all seen before, understand well, and don’t have to think too much about. Each of their aesthetics are a big part of why they are so successful throughout Juniper, and one of the main reasons that viewers are so easily able to appreciate them. Beyond the simplicity of how they look, however, they are more than capable of rolling with the light-handed punches that exist throughout the film–and they embody each and every aspect of their characters with grace and expertise.

Much like the characters, Saville uses simple, serene, and familiar landscapes and settings to showcase Juniper. From the opening moments the things that viewers see on screen remind them of something familiar, something calming and accessible–and, again, like the characters, the landscapes are used to draw in viewers and make them feel comfortable–and it works.

I can’t stress how simple Juniper is or how familiar everything that occurs throughout feels. Saville creates something universally accessible, understandable by all–and his ability to understand the sort of everyman in regard to Sam and Ruth adds to everything that Juniper is. Juniper really is a film for everyone to enjoy.

Written & Directed by Matthew J. Saville.

Starring Charlotte Rampling, Marton Csokas, Edith Poor, George Ferrier, etc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10