“Park Avenue” opens with sweeping views of Montana’s vast landscapes, setting the scene for Charlotte (Katherine Waterston). She feels trapped by her controlling husband and makes a bold choice: she drives to New York. This new environment offers its own kind of confinement, filled with echoes of unresolved family trauma.
The film shines when Charlotte reunites with her mother, Kit (Fiona Shaw). Their interactions are rich and nuanced. Kit is lively and well-connected, while Charlotte is more guarded and often on edge. Their contrasting personalities create a captivating dynamic.
However, the storytelling sometimes stumbles. It’s unclear if the film wants to use subtlety or be explicit. There are moments of great tension, especially between Charlotte and Kit, but the film doesn’t always trust the audience to fill in the gaps. One dinner scene stands out, highlighting Charlotte’s painful realization in a gripping manner.
Anders (Chaske Spencer), the building’s doorman, serves as a bridge between Charlotte and Kit. While he adds depth, many supporting characters feel one-dimensional, only there to add color to the scene. Charlotte’s husband, Hans (Frederick Weller), feels more like a caricature than a fully developed character.
The cinematography captures New York beautifully but stays within the more polished areas of Manhattan. The film deals with affluent lives and their unique troubles, with occasional creative moments, like a dog’s perspective as Charlotte returns to Park Avenue. However, such creativity is rare, as Charlotte’s dog and her daughter, Lily (Gabriella Baldacchino), fade into the background.
There’s an interesting theme of cycles and routines. Characters often seem stuck in their pasts. Kit is a collector of memories, having published an autobiography about her life in China. A key line echoes this idea: “Why break the habit of a lifetime?”
Charlotte’s journey suggests she’s determined to break away from her mother’s path, leading to a moment of vulnerability that brings warmth to the narrative. Despite its flaws and uneven pacing, the film ends on a hopeful note. While unresolved issues linger, there is a sense of growth and optimism for Charlotte’s future.
Overall, “Park Avenue” has memorable moments and strong performances, especially from Waterston and Shaw. Yet it sometimes struggles with storytelling consistency. By trusting the audience more, it could have elevated its exploration of family dynamics.
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