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Movie of the Day: Tendaberry (2024) by Haley Elizabeth Anderson

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • 15 hours ago
  • 9 min read

Tendaberry (2024)" by Haley Elizabeth Anderson: A Poetic Portrait of Life and Loss in Brooklyn

Haley Elizabeth Anderson's feature directorial debut, "Tendaberry" (2024), is a striking and unconventional drama that offers an intimate and lyrical look at a young woman's experience navigating life, love, and loss in post-pandemic South Brooklyn. Written and directed by Anderson, the film is a hybrid of narrative, documentary, and archival footage, creating a unique and personal portrait of its protagonist and the city she calls home.

About Movie (Detailed Summary)

Set in South Brooklyn in the wake of the pandemic, "Tendaberry" follows Dakota (Koda Johan), a 22 or 23-year-old Dominican American woman finding her footing during her initial year in New York City. She shares a seemingly stable and affectionate relationship with her boyfriend, Yuri (Yuri Pleskun), who is from Coney Island. Their life together takes an abrupt turn when Yuri returns to his native Ukraine to care for his ailing father. As the war in Ukraine intensifies, Yuri is unable to return to New York, leaving Dakota to confront a precarious new reality on her own. Told in four parts, likely reflecting the changing seasons, the film intimately chronicles Dakota's struggles with newfound independence, including dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, financial strain, and concerns for her personal safety. As Dakota grapples with the uncertainty of her future and the absence of Yuri, the film also becomes a love letter to Brooklyn, incorporating historical footage of Coney Island and archival material from the 1980s New York queer nightlife documented by artist Nelson Sullivan. This blend of personal narrative and broader urban history creates a rich tapestry that reflects the transient nature of life in a bustling city and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Plot Summary

A young Dominican American woman in post-pandemic Brooklyn faces an uncertain future, including pregnancy and financial hardship, after her Ukrainian boyfriend is unable to return home due to the war, while she navigates life in the city and finds solace in its history and her community.

Director's Vision

"Tendaberry" is a deeply personal film for Haley Elizabeth Anderson, marking her debut as a feature director. As a filmmaker whose work often explores fragile emotions, coming-of-age experiences, race, and class through a hybrid of narrative and experimental documentary styles, Anderson brought this distinctive approach to "Tendaberry." Her vision was to create an intimate character study of Dakota while simultaneously crafting an openhearted love letter to Brooklyn. Inspired by a collection of feelings and memories, and aiming to process something deeply personal, Anderson sought to capture the authentic feel of the city and the humanity of its people. The incorporation of various forms of footage, including archival material, was a deliberate choice to create a sense of layered time and history within Dakota's present experience. Anderson mentioned that a playlist inspired by The Avalanches' album "Wildflower" influenced the film's creation, suggesting a focus on mood, atmosphere, and a blend of diverse elements. She aimed for the film to "breathe" and for viewers to "feel something," creating a work that is both a record of a specific time and place and a meditation on universal experiences of change and resilience.

Themes

  • Navigating Uncertainty and Change: The film explores the protagonist's struggle to cope with unexpected life changes and a precarious future.

  • Love and Loss: The impact of separation and the potential loss of a loved one due to external circumstances is a central theme.

  • Motherhood and Pregnancy: Dakota's unexpected pregnancy adds another layer of complexity to her challenges.

  • Life in the City: The film is a portrait of Brooklyn, exploring its energy, challenges, and the experiences of its residents, particularly migrants and those on the fringes.

  • Identity and Belonging: Dakota's journey involves navigating her identity as a young woman of color in a diverse urban environment.

  • Resilience and Survival: The film highlights the protagonist's strength and determination in the face of adversity.

  • The Passage of Time and History: The incorporation of archival footage connects Dakota's personal story to the broader history of the city and the people who have lived there before.

Key Success Factors

"Tendaberry" has garnered attention on the film festival circuit due to:

  • Unique Hybrid Filmmaking Style: The blend of narrative, documentary, and archival footage offers a fresh and innovative approach.

  • Intimate and Authentic Character Study: The film provides a deeply personal look into the life of its protagonist.

  • Compelling Protagonist: Koda Johan's breakout performance as Dakota has been praised for its rawness and emotional depth.

  • Evocative Portrayal of Setting: Brooklyn is presented as a vibrant and integral character in the film.

  • Timely and Relevant Themes: The film touches upon contemporary issues of migration, economic precariousness, and the impact of global events on individual lives.

  • Festival Recognition: Premiering at Sundance and screening at other international festivals has brought the film critical attention and visibility.

Summary Short

Haley Elizabeth Anderson's "Tendaberry (2024)" is a hybrid drama set in post-pandemic Brooklyn about a young Dominican American woman facing challenges, including pregnancy, after her Ukrainian boyfriend cannot return home due to the war, while the film offers a poetic portrait of her life and the city.

Awards and Nominations

According to IMDb, "Tendaberry (2024)" has received 3 nominations. Specific details regarding these nominations were not available in the provided search snippets. The film also premiered in the Next section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, which is a curated section known for showcasing innovative and forward-thinking films.

Critics Reception

Critical reception for "Tendaberry" has been generally positive, with reviewers highlighting its unique style and emotional core.

  • The Film Stage (Jordan Raup): Described it as a "soulful Brooklyn-set city symphony" and an "ambitious directorial debut," praising its hybrid approach and intimate portrayal of Dakota, though noting some passages felt stretched.

  • MoMA (Museum of Modern Art): Called it a "striking portrait of a young woman's life" and a "dazzling, unconventional debut feature," highlighting its intimacy and character study, as well as its use of archival footage as a "beautiful love letter to Brooklyn."

  • Cinema Femme: Described it as a "love letter to Brooklyn" and a film that "moves you, not just on a visceral level, but a deeply human level," praising Koda Johan's performance and Anderson's direction.

  • Cleveland International Film Festival: Called it a "melodic and poignant story of time, despair, resilience, and rebirth," highlighting its interweaving of poetic musings on New York and Coney Island.

  • IMDb: Holds a user rating of 6.4/10 based on 69 ratings. The average critic rating shown (3.4/10 based on 9 reviews) appears low compared to the sentiment in written reviews, suggesting a potential skew in the limited aggregated score.

  • Mubi: Shows a user rating of 6.8 (number of ratings not specified).

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "Tendaberry" is largely seen as an impressive and emotionally resonant debut feature that stands out for its innovative hybrid form and its intimate, authentic portrayal of a young woman's life in Brooklyn. Critics have responded positively to Koda Johan's lead performance and Anderson's poetic approach to capturing the city and its inhabitants, despite some minor reservations about the film's pacing or the coherence of its experimental elements for some viewers.

Reviews

Reviews for "Tendaberry" often focus on Haley Elizabeth Anderson's distinctive directorial style, which blends different forms of footage to create a layered and textured viewing experience. Critics have praised Koda Johan's performance as Dakota for its rawness, vulnerability, and naturalism, noting how she anchors the film's emotional journey. The film's portrayal of Brooklyn, capturing both its vibrant energy and its challenging realities, has also been a frequent point of positive comment. Reviewers have discussed how the film effectively weaves together personal struggles with broader themes of migration, history, and the search for community. While some found the non-linear or experimental aspects challenging at times, many appreciated the film's ambition and its ability to evoke a strong sense of place and feeling.

Production

"Tendaberry (2024)" is a US production. It was written and directed by Haley Elizabeth Anderson, who also served as one of the producers. Other producers include Carlos Zozaya, Matthew Petock, Zachary Shedd, Hannah Dweck, and Theodore Schaefer. The film was produced by companies including Dweck Productions, Flies Collective, Neon Heart Productions, and Spark Features. Matthew Ballard was the director of cinematography, and Stephania Dulowski was the editor. The film was shot in Brooklyn, New York, and incorporates archival footage.

Production Companies

  • Dweck Productions: (Country: United States) - Production company.

  • Flies Collective: (Country: United States) - Production company.

  • Neon Heart Productions: (Country: United States) - Production company.

  • Spark Features: (Country: United States) - Production company.

Sales Companies

  • Tribeca Films: (Country: United States) - Acquired distribution rights in November 2024 and is likely handling sales.

Distribution Companies

  • Tribeca Films: (Country: United States) - Distributor for the film, with availability on VOD and streaming platforms.

  • VOD Platforms: The film was released on VOD on March 28, 2025.

  • MUBI: The film is scheduled to be available for streaming on MUBI starting April 25, 2025.

Release Date on Streaming

"Tendaberry (2024)" was released on Video-on-Demand (VOD) on March 28, 2025. It is also scheduled to begin streaming on MUBI on April 25, 2025.

Theatrical Release

"Tendaberry (2024)" did not have a wide traditional theatrical release. Its initial exhibition was primarily through film festivals, including its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024, and screenings at other international festivals throughout 2024. While Tribeca Films acquired distribution rights, the primary release appears to be digital.

Why to Recommend This Movie

  • Innovative Filmmaking Style: The hybrid approach offers a unique and visually compelling cinematic experience.

  • Intimate and Authentic Storytelling: Provides a deeply personal look into a young woman's life and struggles.

  • Powerful Lead Performance: Features a breakout role for Koda Johan.

  • Vibrant Portrait of Brooklyn: Captures the energy and character of the city effectively.

  • Exploration of Relevant Themes: Addresses issues of identity, migration, and resilience in a contemporary context.

Why to Watch Movie

  • Interest in Independent and Experimental Cinema: If you appreciate films that push stylistic boundaries.

  • To See a Film About Life in New York City: The movie offers a specific and intimate perspective on living in Brooklyn.

  • For a Character-Driven Drama: The film is focused on the emotional journey of its protagonist.

  • To Discover a Promising New Director: Experience the debut feature of Haley Elizabeth Anderson.

  • If You Are Interested in Stories About Resilience: The film highlights the strength of individuals facing adversity.

What Movie Trend film is following

"Tendaberry" aligns with the trend of hybrid documentaries or films that blend narrative and non-narrative elements to create a more fluid and authentic portrayal of reality. It fits within the trend of independent filmmaking that focuses on personal stories, specific communities, and social realism. The film's focus on the experiences of a young woman of color also aligns with the trend towards increased representation and diverse voices in cinema. Its festival run and subsequent digital release also reflect a common pathway for independent films in the current landscape.

What Big Social Trend is following

The film relates to the social trends of migration and the experiences of immigrant communities in urban centers. It also touches upon the economic precariousness and challenges faced by young adults navigating life in expensive cities in the post-pandemic era. The backdrop of the war in Ukraine implicitly connects the personal story to broader geopolitical events and their human impact. The film's exploration of identity and belonging within a diverse urban environment also resonates with ongoing discussions about multiculturalism and community.

Final Verdict

Haley Elizabeth Anderson's "Tendaberry (2024)" is a notable and impressive debut feature that stands out for its innovative hybrid filmmaking style and its deeply personal and authentic portrayal of a young woman's life in Brooklyn. Through the compelling performance of Koda Johan, the film intimately captures the challenges, uncertainties, and moments of resilience faced by the protagonist. By blending narrative with documentary and archival footage, Anderson creates a rich and atmospheric portrait of both a personal journey and the vibrant, complex city that serves as its backdrop. While its experimental nature may not appeal to all viewers, "Tendaberry" is a powerful and poetic film that marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in independent cinema. It is highly recommended for those seeking thoughtful, character-driven stories that push stylistic boundaries and offer a unique perspective on contemporary urban life and the human experience of navigating change and loss.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

  • Experiment with Form and Structure: Don't be afraid to blend different filmmaking styles and incorporate non-narrative elements to enhance storytelling.

  • Focus on Authentic Characters and Performances: Work closely with actors, including non-professionals, to capture rawness and emotional truth.

  • Utilize Setting as a Character: Allow the environment where your story takes place to play a significant role in shaping the narrative and atmosphere.

  • Embrace Personal Inspiration: Draw from your own experiences, feelings, and memories to create unique and resonant films.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

  • Support and Distribute Hybrid and Experimental Films: Provide platforms for films that push creative boundaries and offer new ways of storytelling.

  • Champion Films from Diverse Voices and Perspectives: Actively seek out and invest in filmmakers telling stories from underrepresented communities and experiences.

  • Recognize the Value of Festival Success for Independent Films: Leverage festival recognition to support the distribution and visibility of noteworthy independent productions.

  • Promote Films That Offer Authentic Portrayals of Specific Communities and Places: Highlight movies that provide insightful and nuanced glimpses into diverse cultural and geographic settings.


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