Two very different yet powerful performances dominated Saturday night at the New York Film Festival. The two films though, almost dealt with the same themes of loneliness and the cold hearted world that surrounds us. And while I think people will find Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky a film that is much easier at digest, that is not to say Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy is inaccessible.

Leigh has been around for a while, making often brutal dramas like Vera Drake and Secrets & Lies. Maybe that’s why his new film is such a surprise. I wouldn’t necessarily classify Happy-Go-Lucky as a comedy, but it has plenty of funny moments, most provided by the charm and wit of newcomer Sally Hawkins. Hawkins plays Poppy, a charming and apparently care-free Londoner who always looks on the bright side of life. Like Leigh’s other films, there isn’t so much of a plot as there is a set of episodes strung together. And the style works, and lets Hawkins shine. We see Poppy interact with family, friends, and people who just can’t seem to get her. And slowly but surely, we get an understanding of how a person like this could exist in such a cold world. Poppy is Poppy because she refuses to play the status quo, and is stronger because of it. She may have many of the same problems, but her simple twist on life makes it so much easier. The film is set on Hawkins, who couldn’t be more lovable or enjoyable to watch. Hawkins has often played caricature in some of her minor roles, but she gives Poppy a full breathing life. She is never playing at something—She is Poppy and we believe it. Sure some of the smaller episodes don’t work here or there, but overall this is a beautiful and fun film that even though is serious in content, is witty and cute in tone.

Wendy and Lucy after the jump…
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