“All Is Fine in ‘89” follows a group of students and teachers at Romano High as they prepare for the last field party of the decade, with the Berlin Wall falling and the Cold War coming to an end in the background.
A Rush of Nostalgia
The film attempts to instantly bring the audience back to a specific moment in time. And it largely succeeds. That happens immediately through a hilarious compilation of infomercials, followed by music, props and clothing – alongside, of course, a range of stereotypical characters.
A talented crew also aids in this. Mainly cinematographer Christian Cocuzzo, production designer Samantha Wolter and editor Mateo Tompkins. The sets immediately deliver a rush of nostalgia, while the editing and shooting styles complement the tone.
There is a lot going on within “All Is Fine in ‘89.” Each character is highlighted individually before everything comes together. The structure feels similar to classics like “Dazed and Confused” and “The Breakfast Club.”
An ensemble cast makes up the film, but Dani Romero (Linda) proves to be the standout. Her character’s arc is the most daunting, and Romero sells the emotion. She brings vulnerability to the screen through subtle changes in delivery.
Also starring are Shelby Handley (Mrs. Applewood), Adam Lupis (Mark), Dylan Hawco (Dean), Damien Gulde (Mr. Parker) and Tom Keat (Cole). The performances from the supporting cast aren’t perfect, but they are serviceable. They get the job done without becoming too distracting in the process.
Big Themes, Uneven Tone
“All Is Fine in ‘89” is a coming-of-age story – for a group of people. With so many uncertainties surrounding these characters, the film becomes an interesting examination of several themes. Because each individual falls into a different cliché or background, the topics are explored in a variety of ways.
Some of these themes include teenage pregnancy, domestic abuse, “traditional family values,” sexuality and political ideologies. Some prove more relevant than others, and some play a larger role in the story than others.
In covering so much ground, “All Is Fine in ‘89” struggles to maintain tonal consistency. One moment it explores heavy subject matter, the next it jumps to… sex fantasies. The film constantly shifts between darkness and lightheartedness and never quite forms a complete identity.
“All Is Fine in ‘89” is almost too dark for its own good. At times, that makes it uncomfortable to watch.
A Crowded Cast of Characters
This unevenness extends to the characters as well. The ensemble becomes almost too spread out, leaving many of the individuals feeling hollow – even though the film still manages to make the audience care about them. There is only so much investment possible when the focus keeps shifting minute by minute.
Writer-director Matthew Lupis manages to pull the story together in the final act. All of the previously introduced elements come to a head, highlighting the frightening reality of growing up in an ever-changing world. While some character journeys remain incomplete, the film still offers a sense of closure.
“What are you gonna do when the party’s over?”
“All Is Fine in ‘89” explores a wide range of themes within a very specific moment in time. It’s funny and lighthearted while also maintaining a stark sense of reality. These tones clash more often than not, but the ideas remain compelling.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
