Lucas (Paul Dano) is homeless in New York. His failed suicide attempt sends him to the hospital where he is befriended by his roommate sour bar owner Jacques (Brian Cox). Jacques has a bad heart and wants Lucas to take over his bar 'House of Oysters' when he's gone. Jacques serves his regulars with a standoffish respect and hates walk-ins. He gives Lucas new clothes and a haircut. To his horrors, Lucas gives away espressos to the homeless and is friendly with the customers. One rainy night, distraught flight attendant April (Isild Le Besco) walks into the bar. There is the usual cast of characters, and a duck.
This is a dark New York fable with two amazing leading men. None of these characters are particularly endearing although Lucas has his charms. Jacques is a grumpy old man. There are plenty of dark quirkiness. It rambles a bit. The ending is problematic. While the accident is a nice dark turn, I don't like where Jacques ended up. I would have preferred him working at the bar in the end as it fades to black. It's disappointing and an unengaging way to finish.
This is a dark New York fable with two amazing leading men. None of these characters are particularly endearing although Lucas has his charms. Jacques is a grumpy old man. There are plenty of dark quirkiness. It rambles a bit. The ending is problematic. While the accident is a nice dark turn, I don't like where Jacques ended up. I would have preferred him working at the bar in the end as it fades to black. It's disappointing and an unengaging way to finish.