‘Violet’ review: Dir. Justine Bateman (2021) [TIFF]

Olivia Munn is on a career-best form as a tortured film executive in this deeply absorbing, though sometimes irritating drama from Justine Bateman who makes her feature directing debut following a couple of successful shorts and a glittering, continuing acting career.

Munn is the titular Violet, head of production at a Los Angeles film production company – a successful producer with more than one big feature raking in the dollars and grabbing a slew of awards. She is clearly propping up the business under her letch of a boss (played superbly by Dennis Boutsikaris) but despite the façade of living the perfect life, there are many cracks under the surface. There are clear personal issues stemming from a previous relationship with British music exec Martin (Simon Quarterman) which led to a messy, very fiery end; a broken relationship with her mother, aunt and brother; a lurking passion project that she fears to pursue, not to mention the constant voices in her head telling her what she should or should do in terms of those personal and professional life choices.

The voice is manifested aurally by Justin Theroux who we hear constantly throughout the film’s 90-minute running time. There is also written text plastered all over the screen also presenting Violet’s inner thoughts, which again grates initially. However, the irritation of the presence of these two narrative devices does work more and more as the story progresses. It is true that we all have these voices questioning our choices constantly, and I can see where Bateman wanted to go with the way in which she has constructed her screenplay and executed it visually with her impressive direction.

With a career spanning four decades in terms of acting, it is clear that she knows a thing or two about the world in which the film is set, and it shows with wonderfully written characters through to the very realistic depiction of the LA film scene.

As I said, Munn is excellent – virtually flawless as the tormented Violet, while Luke Bracey (Point Break remake) is also solid as her stereotypical Hollywood boyfriend, Red. There’s also some great support from the likes of Laura San Giacomo as talented director Janice, and even Bonnie Bedelia (Die Hard) as Violet’s pressing Aunt Helen in a couple of fleeting scenes.

Far from perfect, Bateman’s feature shows heaps of ambition and oodles of promise for a bright future as a feature director. It is an impressive first film that more than deserves attention for its acting and its bold, unique storytelling.

A modern glimpse into Hollywood and all of its many flaws, and a thought-provoking personal morality tale that everyone will be able to relate to in some way. A brilliant little film showcasing a promising new voice in cinema with a glowing performance from its hugely talented lead.