"The Cat and the Moon" is a coming-of-age following Nick, a teenager who goes to live with his late father's friend Cal, a jazz musician, in New York City while, as we learn, his mom is in rehab. Nick finds himself drawn into the world of some new classmates, and that of Cal.
The film explores Nick's emotional turmoil as he deals with his father's death and his mother's issues. We know nothing about this early on. But as the film unfolds we slowly learn more about the situation and the back stories of Cal and Nick's parents.
"The Cat and the Moon" feels a bit long at times, but in hindsight everything in there contributes to the development of the characters. Just the same, editing could have been tighter, and not every wistful gaze into the distance is necessary, no matter how pretty the shot is.
Toward the final quarter on the tale, when we have pieced together most of the background, the drama ramps up significantly. As the film progresses, comical moments, lighter in the beginning, also become progressively darker and heavier.
The camera work in interesting throughout. Frequent close-ups and shallow depths of focus contribute to the film's authentic and personal feel. Bokeh is present naturally. There's also some good use of music. Performances are engaging across the entire cast.
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