A sexed-up (if not exactly sexy), sassy, and ultimately slight crime comedy/road movie from Ethan Coen, who co-wrote the script with his wife Tricia Cooke. The setting is 1999, when gay marriage was still a matter of where you lived — worth noting when your protagonists are lesbians living in Philly and headed to Tallahassee — but the style is pure ‘70s, what with the psychedelic flashbacks, the funky drop-down screen wipes, the Dutch angles, and the generally grotty aesthetic. Some might be tempted to call it raunchy, what with all the dildos, sex scenes, and dirty talk (power tools are mentioned, but not displayed). But it’s too frank and even sweet for that — Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) may be virginal in comparison to her travel buddy Jamie (Margaret Qualley), but buttoned-up is not the same as uptight. Everyone here seems remarkably, even enviably comfortable with their sexuality, either as itch in want of scratching or as sincere expression of affection — well, except for one of the two unlucky knuckleheads who get sent after our dolls after they drive away in a car that for some reason already contains some very sensitive merchandise relating to a powerful political figure. The story doesn’t hold up under scrutiny — don’t overthink it, man — so what you’re left with is the gentle exploration (send-up?) of lesbian culture; the trademark Coen blend of violence, cupidity, and stupidity; and nostalgia for the grindhouse. (2024) — Matthew Lickona
This movie is not currently in theaters.