Courtney Eaton and Thomas Mann in PARACHUTE Credit: credit: Kristen (K2) Correll

Parachute, the directorial debut of actor Brittany Snow, explores the contours of a pervasive addiction while showcasing a true New York romance in the process. Pervasive, not because of any behaviors themselves, but because the world in which all live gives rise to so many problematic elements.

Riley (Courtney Eaton of Yellowjackets) is just back from rehab, learning to deal with an eating disorder and deep-seeded issues with her body. Living in an Instagram world full of daily comparisons to other women makes each day a particularly brutal struggle.

She quickly falls in with the nicest of nice guys, Ethan (Thomas Mann), but the rules of recovery say no to falling in love so soon. Their relationship cements quickly, and while they’re “just friends” it’s obvious to everyone and themselves that this is more than a friendship.

The problem is, Riley still has to live with herself. As she tells her therapist (played gamely by Gina Rodriguez) the only time the voices in her head will ever shut up is when she’s eating, starving herself, or simply with Ethan. That’s a lot to put on another person.

It’s slowly revealed that Ethan has addiction issues to deal with as well, mainly in the form of his father played to perfection by Joel McHale. A Thanksgiving meal with Riley in attendance goes about as badly as it could. It gives rise to the question of whether Riley is actually best served by pining after someone so ready to prop her up at all time.

Riley’s job as a hostess at a dismal murder-mystery dinner theater makes for a nice side story. Dave Bautista continues to branch out and absolutely nails the role of owner and director. His tattooed tenderness is a joy to watch, if only briefly. Her situation also gives Riley her first chance to break out of her doldrums and put her particular set of skills to use, even if that’s just listening to way too much true crime.

The inevitable climax of Parachute not only hits hard but is set up perfectly by all that comes before. There are no rainbows, but the stage is set for a young woman to go out into the world, coping with all that lies within while keeping the rest at bay.

Parachute

Narrative Feature Competition, World Premiere

Monday, March 13, 11:30am, ZACH Theatre
Thursday, March 16, 2:30pm, Stateside Theatre

Catch up with all of The Austin Chronicle‘s SXSW 2023 coverage.

This article appears in March 10 • 2023.

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