Theater Camp

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

Mockumentaries are unique within the cinematic realm as the humour requires insider knowledge to appreciate the subject matter. Yet, there have been many films that have captured the imagination of audiences over the years to justify their existence. This is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, Borat, and the recent Marcel the Shell With Shoes On have set the stage for the release of the Searchlight production, Theater Camp.

Molly Gordon (The Bear) and Nick Lieberman helm the comedy based on Ben Platt’s (Pitch Perfect) short film. The storyline takes us to upstate New York during the summer months, where young thespians attend camp at AdirondACTS. All the players are in place to coach and inspire children to tap into their theatrical gifts in acting, singing, dancing, and staging. Yet, when Joan (Amy Sedaris), the ever-present and steadfast founder, unexpectedly goes into a coma, the camp must determine how they will survive. Joan’s son, influencer-wannabe Troy (Jimmy Tatro), tries to fill his mother’s shoes and save the beloved summer gathering from being bought out; he must find out what makes this unique haven for theatre professionals work. Eventually, this leads everyone at the camp to rally together to save this inspirational getaway for the marginalised in society.

Throughout the year, one of the frustrating elements of many films is their failure to determine the audience for these productions. Theater Camp doesn’t have this problem, but does err to such an extreme on the other end that it becomes so niche that it will be hard to find fans outside of the theater crowd. For all of those who relish the drama, artistry, and unpredictability of this industry, they will be cheering those on screen until the final credits. Yet, those looking in from the outside may wonder what is happening and ask why anyone would want to expose themselves to this line of work, camping or the arts.

Artistically, Gordon and Lieberman successfully lean into the genre and capture their subject's extreme theatrics. The majority of the cast embrace their roles with the expected fervour of their characters and bring this atmosphere to life on the screen. As expected, the screenplay addresses subject matters of societal acceptance, the subjectivity of popularity, and sexual identity, which might make this less accessible to some audiences. Yet, most of the discussions are tastefully handled and will not be overly shocking to those individuals within the industry.

Theater Camp is staged brilliantly for those who live in this entertainment lifestyle. Still, this story may not appeal to those who prefer not to see behind the curtain how these productions are made.

REEL DIALOGUE: What does art say about humanity?

Do you need to be a thespian to appreciate Theater Camp? Yes, it might make you appreciate the plethora of different personalities needed to entertain the masses. Also, it will help you to understand the subjectivity of art.

To appreciate the artistry of this film, treat it like attending an art museum. Those moments when you walk through a sculpture garden or a city art exhibit. During these moments, you will realise that art comes in various forms, and the appreciation manifests itself in different ways. It is why some love contemporary art, and others only can appreciate the classics.

Films of this ilk tend to conjure up questions like, why do humans create art? It is a complex idea, but the simple but profound answer is that a creative God forms us. The true master artist inspires the best of art. The human form and the rest of nature arouse the artist in us because it is part of our DNA. The 'created' are creative because we are the artistry of the master creator.

'But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.' - Isaiah 64:8

If you want to discuss artistry and God, contact us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.