Treasure

Grade: C+

Treasure is a mismatched odd couple fish out of water traveling film, with a historical drama throughline. It’s a Wunza movie. (One’s a “this thing,” one’s another thing. Together, they will…) Here, it’s an old Holocaust survivor (Edek), who has lived in New York for decades, but is at last bringing himself to visit Poland again (this takes place in 1991), with his recently divorced mid-30’s daughter Ruth. It’s not terrible, but the two appealing stars rarely elevate it from flatness.

Edek is one of those charming, outgoing, exuberant people who chats up everyone they see, and makes a couple new best friends every day. He still has a picture of his ex son-in-law in his wallet, and brags on him to strangers, in front of Ruth. He asks his daughter questions like “how long has it been since you’ve had the sex?” Other than the occasional scene with meaning – like the trips to Auschwitz or his childhood home – there is moment after moment after moment of Edek doing something to embarrass Ruth, followed by him laughing it off like “What! It’s who I am! We’re having a nice daughter-father vacation!” Do the rinse and then the repeat.

Except for Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, which almost doesn’t count (she played one of the MANY “residents” of Spahn Ranch), I somehow managed to make it through Lena Dunham’s 18-year film career without seeing her, until now. She is very good. She has what I’d call a cute voice – perfect for animation, or a rom com (as either the lead or the obligatory best friend). I’ve learned that she has been many shapes and sizes over the years, but has always been fearless when it comes to showing a lot of her body, on film and television, no matter how she looks. She has a nice rapport with Stephen Fry (Gosford Park, A Civil Action), who is also a great presence. Neither have the best material to work with. He frequently speaks in that cutesy movie broken English that omits possessive pronouns and articles (“There was problem with suitcase”) while throwing in the word “the” in superfluous places (“I went to the McDonald’s for the hunger”). As actors, they are gifted enough to sometimes transcend the blandness, and have a few touching authentic moments.

But not enough. Treasure, for the most part, stays in the same tonal zone. It’s, excuse me, not an interesting one. The title finally makes sense with a poignant late-act discovery. It’s a mildly compelling narrative sputter and whimper. I can’t recommend Treasure, but the history angle might land better for some.

Grade: C+