Introduction
In the small town near the Texas/Louisiana border, life revolves around odd traditions, and for some, an annual endurance test at a car dealership becomes the ultimate pursuit of hope. Bastian Günther’s “One Of These Days” delves into the harrowing world of poverty and desperation, where twenty ballot-winners compete to see who can keep a hand on a pickup truck the longest, with the winner walking away with the keys. While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film attempts to capture the despairing essence of the American Dream takedown, but it struggles to maintain its grip on the audience’s attention, leading to a meandering journey through the depths of human endurance.
A Captivating Small Town Setting
Günther paints a vivid picture of an unnamed small town, where wide plains and dusty roads embody the town’s reliance on vehicles for everyday life. Director of photography, Michael Kotschi, skillfully captures the essence of this world, highlighting the importance of motor vehicles in the characters’ lives. Joe Cole’s portrayal of Kyle, a fast-food worker struggling to make ends meet for his young family, adds depth to the narrative. When his name is drawn for the annual ‘Hands On’ competition, which promises the chance to win a new truck, Kyle sees it as a glimmer of hope in his otherwise bleak reality.
A Flawed Execution
While the concept of the competition holds intrigue, the film’s narrative falters in its execution. Carrie Preston’s Joan, the event’s organizer, is introduced with flair, but as the competition progresses, the focus on individual stakes becomes blurry. What should have been an opportunity for tension and character development turns into a frustrating lack of depth. The film seems to squander the potential of twenty people confined to a single location, as their interactions devolve into uninspired comic skits rather than exploring the psychological toll of the endurance test.
Glimpses of Intensity
Amidst the monotony, there are glimpses of intensity that highlight the dark absurdity of the test. As sleep-deprivation takes its toll, hallucinogenic moments illustrate the perversity of the competition. Participants succumb to physical and emotional breakdowns, but unfortunately, these powerful vignettes fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The potential for a compelling exploration of human limits is lost as the story drifts aimlessly, leaving the audience grappling with boredom.
Conclusion
“One Of These Days” embarks on an ambitious journey to explore the desperation and resilience of those pursuing the American Dream. However, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a gripping and coherent narrative. Bastian Günther’s direction captures poignant moments, but the lack of focus on individual characters and their stakes prevents the film from reaching its full potential. Despite its promise, the film dissipates into a haze of aimlessness, leaving viewers yearning for a stronger narrative thread. While it attempts to echo the bleakness of an American Dream gone wrong, “One Of These Days” struggles to leave a lasting impact on its audience.
