GFF 2014 Review – Cas & Dylan

After making his name in hit nineties Aaron Spelling soap, Beverly Hills 90210, Jason Priestley has become an ever-present feature in the world of film and TV – both as an actor and director. Priestley’s first feature film (outside the TV movie realm) is Cas & Dylan – a heartwarming road movie that sees him team up with screen icon Richard Dreyfuss and Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany.

Cas Pepper (Dreyfuss) is a doctor dying of terminal cancer who plans to die on his own . His final journey makes an obscure detour when he reluctantly ends up picking up hitchhiking Dylan Morgan (Maslany), a quirky twenty-two year old wannabe writer.

Cas & Dylan may follow the traditional road trip film dynamic that is driven by the pairing of a bickering odd couple (see The Guilt Trip, Due Date and Planes, Trains & Automobiles etc.) but fortunately feels original and fresh thanks to warm performances and a savvy script from Jessie Gabe. Priestley nails the film’s tone, effortlessly blending the lighter-comic moments with an often highly-charged sentimental tone – resulting in a watch that feels light and gentle but ultimately packs a real emotional punch in its last act.

Gabe’s screenplay is filled with quick-witted dialogue – seen at its best in Cas’s playful jibes at Dylan – and moments of charming, unabashed fun – the rigid Cas’s drink getting spiked is one of the comic highlights, as is seeing Dylan getting cornered by a ‘ionate’ Shania Twain fan. One of the reasons that Cas & Dylan engages so much is through pitch-perfect performances from Dreyfuss and Maslany. Both stars showcase their impressive range handling both the film’s comic and emotional moments with equal gravitas. Dreyfuss adds a deep character to a role which could have easily just become another ‘grumpy curmudgeon’ figure and Maslany is a revelation as the street-smart and spirited young writer who attempts to masks her real vulnerability. The relationship is crafted with a real honesty and heart as we gradually warm to these characters – just as they warm to each other.

Cas & Dylan is at its best in its final moments – which are truly heart-breaking and a testament to the talents of all involved in the feature. Given that Cas is dying of terminal cancer, we know from the onset which direction the ending is heading – yet that does not make the final moments any less affecting. Priestley handles the scene with a real warmth and delicacy as Cas and Dylanultimately say their goodbyes. This conclusion has a heavyweight emotional blow, so much so that it is unlikely that there will be a dry eye in the house.

Cas & Dylan is an inspired feature debut from director Jason Priestley. Filled with warmth, heart and moments of blissful fun, Cas & Dylan is a testament to Dreyfuss and Maslany’s skills as actors and shows us that Priestley is one of the most promising directors working today.

[rating=4]

Andrew McArthur

Genre:
Comedy, Drama
UK Release Date:
22nd February 2014 (Glasgow Film Festival)
Rating: 15
Director:
Jason Priestley
Stars:
Richard Dreyfuss,Tatiana Maslany, Jayne Eastwood