Our take
This rough-hewn indie centers on Irene, the lead singer of an Austin punk band and all around mess of a human being. She’s about to be kicked out of her band when she receives a call that her grandfather has passed away and left her his dilapidated row-house in Pittsburgh. Irene immediately takes off for Pittsburgh and begins drunkenly “renovating” the house, with the help of her equally lost cousin, Cam. The film is sparse on plot, but features a strong central performance by Rachel McKeon — if you’ve ever spent time around fellow Irenes, then you’ll instantly recognize them in McKeon’s portrayal of a charismatic but utterly irresponsible and unstable youth. The film also perfectly captures the ambiance and magical geography of Pittsburgh, PA, along with the aesthetic(s) of those living on the fringes of American culture. It was largely filmed in the city’s Bloomfield neighborhood, and uses that area’s cramped and colorful architecture to good effect.
The story
A rootless young singer with a penchant for destruction must reconcile her domestic fantasies as she attempts to restore her late grandfather's abandoned Pittsburgh home.
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Tara Goe is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services. Her work helps readers find overlooked titles worth their time.