For an aging actress, father time is a cruel reality. The roles dry up, the phone stops ringing, and, perhaps worst of all, the public starts to forget your name. A fragile ego can only take so much. Add a looming divorce to the equation and what you have feels much like a death sentence. This downward spiral into obscurity is stylishly portrayed in writer/director Rani DeMuth’s short dark comedy, And Now I Lay Me Down.
The (Not So) Fabulous Life of Celia Dalvi
Absorbed by existential dread, the luxurious but lonely Celia Dalvi (Jane Kaczmarek) can’t take it anymore. Her pending divorce seems to have been the last straw in a series of unfortunate events for Celia. The non-existent audition callbacks and growing estrangement from her daughter are all too much. This is when Celia makes a decision: she wants to be remembered for who she was, not who she is. Celia sends her staff home for the day and attempts to make it through her self-appointed “last day” on her own. No chef, no handyman, and no personal assistant… She has truly hit rock bottom.
Up to this point, the film pokes fun at its protagonist and has a cheeky air to it. It’s not until Celia calls her estranged daughter and leaves her a heartfelt message that we truly begin to sympathize with her. The film captures this moment with beautiful composition and framing, allowing the scene to stand out from the rest. After making her peace, Celia puts on her most glamorous gown and jumps from the second story of her home. On her descent toward the ground, which is captured in artful slow motion, she experiences flashbacks and fantastical daydreams. It’s best not to assume how the film will end because director Rani DeMuth’s proven comedic timing makes for one satisfactory ending.
Fantastic Character
The story has an element of seriousness to it given the subject matter, yet overall, And Now I Lay Me Down is a lighthearted and witty film that bursts with color and glam. The character of Celia is an onscreen delight. She is the type of woman to have 20 different shades of pink nail polish while keeping her Cheetos in a locked cupboard to avoid overindulging. She is fabulous and even if she doesn’t feel good, she will at least look good.
Takeaway
Backed by a beautiful score by Brad Oberhofer, And Now I Lay Me Down is the aesthetic equivalent of a modern-day Edward Scissorhands. Through her charismatically charming performance, Jane Kaczmarek reinforces her reputation as a screen icon. And from concept to execution, director Rani DeMuth proves why she is a filmmaker to keep on your radar.
