The Coen brothers influence is strong at this year’s Tribeca Festival. Set in a small Texas town, LaRoy follows Ray Jespen (John Magaro, The Many Saints of Newark) who accidentally gets caught up in a murder-for-hire scheme. As the case becomes more complicated, Ray must fight for his marriage while struggling to find his own self-worth.
LaRoy boasts a number of strong performances. The film opens with a sinister Dylan Baker (Trick ‘r Treat) who only becomes threatening as things progress. Steven Zahn (War for the Planet of the Apes) brings the comic relief as the wannabe private detective that no one takes seriously. There are a number of strange characters that bring spice to the always expanding scheme.
Magaro is the heart of what can be described as a tragic love story. Ray’s wife Stacy-Lynn (Megan Stevenson, Epix’s Get Shorty) fondly looks back at her past and dreams of the future, but has little care about her present with Ray. Throughout the lies and manipulation, Ray sticks by his wife’s side. One of the biggest gut punches in LaRoy is when Stacy-Lynn explains to Ray why she married him.
The layered story does have a tendency to become too convoluted. What starts as a simple case of mistaken identity soon involves blackmail, infidelity, and mysterious break-ins. It is a lot to take in and will frustrate some since a lot of it does not really pay off. Each clue needs to a new revelation until it becomes so much that LaRoy almost has to come to a literal stop to explain everything that has happened.
As confusing as things get, the movie remains engaging. The great performances play a big part, but the writing is what holds everything together. As the mystery gets bigger, all of the characters are drawn into the same orbit. It may be hard to keep it straight, but it is fun watching the various characters try to piece it all together.
![[Tribeca '23] 'LaRoy' review: Mistaken identity crime story filled with clever twists](https://i0.wp.com/aiptcomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/laroy.png?resize=740%2C343&ssl=1 "feature, tribeca 2023")
Throughout it all, LaRoy constantly pays homage to the Coen brothers. Sometimes it is a little too much – a shady car salesman gets involved, for example – but the strong mix of comedy and drama ensure the movie stands on its own. It is an overall great crime story that will draw in audiences.
Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and events can be found HERE
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