"This is Martin Bonner"

2013 * R * 1h 23m I reviewed the fine movie "Little Fish" a couple weeks ago. And it piqued my interest about the other films directer Chad Hartigan has done. I saw his "Morris from America" a few months back and enjoyed it. "This is Martin Bonner" looked right up my alley and I'm glad I watched it. Like his other films, this one is definitely character driven. There's not a lot of action and it takes its time to unfold. But what a beautiful film it is. That's due to the sensitive writing and the brilliant acting from the two leads--Paul Eenhoorn and Richmond Arquette. 

We meet Martin (Eenhoorn), an older gentleman who's recently moved from Maryland to Reno to start his life over. He has a job helping prisoners who are about to be released transition to their new lives. He's a gentle, kind man who speaks regularly with his daughter via phone, and tries relentlessly to reconnect with his son. Travis (Arquette) is free after serving 12 years for manslaughter while drunk driving. The two men meet and Martin takes Travis under his wing. 

The two men spend a great deal of time together. They engage in thoughtful discussions about their lives, and life in general. Martin is a loner, but never really lonely. He's a volunteer ref for the local girls soccer league. He also does a bit of speed dating at his daughters' insistence. Travis, meanwhile, tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, who's bitter about him not being there during her formative years. 

Eenhorn's performance is an absolute wonder. He's quiet, unassuming, and has an almost priest-like aura about him. When you watch him, you wish you could hear his inner thoughts. When I did a quick check on him on IMDb, I noticed he hadn't played in any major films, which is a shame. I was also saddened to see he passed away in 2022. Godspeed to you Mr. Eenhoorn. 

"This is Martin Bonner" is a classic indie film. Like most movies of this ilk, it features excellent writing, great directing, and above all, fantastic acting.  Not surprisingly,  it's won several awards including the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and YouTube. Also available to rent on Prime Video.