My Take:
Annie (the incredible Natalia Dyer) has just graduated from college in Philadelphia. Instead of packing her bags and conquering the world, she’s stuck in a summer haze, drifting through bars and looking for meaning in random encounters. That’s how she meets Tyler (Rachel Keller) and Danny (Danny Ramirez). A complex, stifling, and erotic bond forms between the three. It’s a film about bisexual desire, exploring identity, and the desperate craving for closeness while being terrified of commitment.
What's Captivating: The mood. Philadelphia through the lens of director Jacene Abelard is sweaty, hot, and incredibly atmospheric. Natalia Dyer portrays a girl who is both fragile and brave in her helplessness. It’s not a film about grand events; it’s about the "vibe"—night walks, whispered conversations, and the electricity between people.
A Word of Caution: This is very introspective cinema. If you're looking for fast pacing or clear-cut answers, Chestnut might feel too fleeting. It’s a movie that you "smell" and "hear" more than you "watch," which is a huge plus for arthouse fans but might be a challenge for mainstream audiences.
Verdict: 8.0/10 🌰🌆🥂
Sensual, stylish, and a very modern portrait of bisexuality. Natalia Dyer in her most mature role yet.
🔍 Did you know...?
For Natalia Dyer, the role in Chestnut was a conscious departure from her Stranger Things image. She wanted to dive into more intimate and physical storytelling. Interestingly, the film was shot with a very small crew, which allowed the actors a lot of room for improvisation and helped build a genuine chemistry within the film's central triangle. Director Jacene Abelard emphasized that she wanted to show bisexuality as a natural part of self-discovery rather than a "problem" to be solved.
