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Downtown Owl is a dark comedy set in the fictional town of Owl, North Dakota, during the 1980s. Directed by Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater, the film premiered on YouTube, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video on April 23, 2024. Based on Chuck Klosterman's book, it delves into dark humor and small-town secrets.
The movie follows the town's interconnected residents during a blizzard. Julia Rabia, a new English teacher at Owl, quickly bonds with the eccentrics. From Horace, a retired farmer with a secret past, to Mitch, a high school football player seeking glory, the story explores small-town life as they prepare for the worst storm of the century.
Downtown Owl boasts a stellar cast, including Ed Harris, Lily Rabe, and August Blanco Rosenstein.
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Full list of the cast of Downtown Owl
Main cast
1) Lily Rabe as Julia Rabia
Lily Rabe leads the main cast as Julia Rabia, a restless English teacher from Milwaukee. As a newcomer to the small town of Owl, Julia Rabia is learning to live in this remote area.
Her character drives the narrative since she interacts with different town residents and reveals the complexity of small-town life. Julia's point of view presents the town's dynamics and secrets from an outsider's standpoint.
2) Ed Harris as Horace Jones
Ed Harris portrays Horace Jones, a retired farmer who spends his days reminiscing in the town's café. As an older and wise figure, he is deeply connected to the town and its people, often mentoring or voicing reason. His character reflects the town's past and present.
3) August Blanco Rosenstein as Mitch Hrlicka
August Blanco Rosenstein plays Mitch Hrlicka, a young man trapped in Owl. Mitch struggles to find his place in the world, torn between Owl and success. His story shows how growing up in a close-knit, stifling community can be difficult.
4) Vanessa Hudgens as Naomi
Vanessa Hudgens plays Naomi, a lively and magnetic woman who gives the town some sparkle. Naomi's exchanges with other characters highlight the complexity of negotiating her needs and relationships inside Owl. Naomi's interactions with the other residents highlight the dark humor woven throughout the story.
Supporting cast
1) Jack Dylan Grazer as Eli
Jack Dylan Grazer plays Eli, a character whose youthful energy provides a fresh perspective on the town's events. His interactions with the older residents add a new layer to the story.
2) Finn Wittrock as Coach Laidlaw
Finn Wittrock takes on the role of Coach Laidlaw, the high school football coach who is a guiding force in Mitch's life. His character adds depth to the film’s portrayal of small-town sports culture.
3) Henry Golding as Vance Druid
Henry Golding stars as Vance Druid, a depressed bison farmer whose romantic entanglements with Julia create tension and drive much of the film's emotional impact.
4) Arianna Jaffier as Rebecca
Arianna Jaffier plays Rebecca, a supporting character who contributes to the town's rich tapestry of personalities. Rebecca’s interactions with the main cast help to deepen the world of Owl.
5) Arden Michalec as Tina
Arden Michalec appears as Tina, another supporting character whose presence helps to flesh out the diverse community of Owl. Tina's role, though small, is integral to the film's depiction of small-town life.
Downtown Owl: Behind the scenes
Directors Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe work together to bring Chuck Klosterman's novel to life in Downtown Owl. Co-written by Klosterman and Linklater, the screenplay effectively conveys the story's complex relationships and dark humor.
The production crew's recreation of a small North Dakota town on the brink of a blizzard helped the film succeed. The 1980s feel comes from the precise set design, costumes, and cinematography.
Downtown Owl stands out as a darkly humorous exploration of 1980s small-town life. Character-driven story enthusiasts should not miss this film, which features remarkable performances from Lily Rabe, Ed Harris, and Vanessa Hudgens. It explores the lives of its characters in great detail and with depth.
Downtown Owl is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
