TURNOVER: A MOVIE REVIEW

In a world where technology and social media allow society to consume entertainment like fast food, creating a film likened to a fulfilling meal is no picnic. Moreover, piling one’s plate with something wholesome might come across as a half-baked idea. Thankfully, that is precisely what director Linda Palmer whipped up with Turnover, a feast for the eyes featuring a motley crew of characters brought to life by a dash of talented cast members and a pinch of heartwarming plotlines.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation actor Paul Guilfoyle plays the lead in Turnover. Portraying the out of touch café owner “Peter”, Guilfoyle serves up a performance that could have easily been portrayed as bumbling or damning. Yet as was revealed by Palmer during a Q&A session post-film screening during the Love International Film Festival, Paul elected to put more heart into the role, making for a much more relatable protagonist.

The remaining comically-rich cast of Riker Lynch, Julia Silverman, Carlos Carrasco, Adwin Brown, and Isabella Blake-Thomas might sound as though there are too many cooks in the kitchen. But with the clever writing of Laree’ Griffith and intertwining of simultaneous storylines, the resulting comic relief, tear-jerking moments, and genuine relationships meld in a recipe that tickles your senses while tugging at your heartstrings.

What makes the film such a sumptuous meal is the incorporation of unconventional ingredients; namely actors who represent a population where under different circumstances, they may not have the opportunity to play everyday roles in a feature film. Former Special Olympic athlete Blair Williamson and American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer were born with Down Syndrome. In the film their roles of “Charlie” and “Gina” do some of the best (and sweetest) adlibbing, further proving Palmer’s point made during previously mentioned Q&A: where in a world that is more discriminatory and divisive than ever, it is important to celebrate the individual for their merit rather than focus on the label judging their perceived condition.

Thus far the film has garnered the Audience Award and won Best Picture at the Love International Film Festival, with Katharine “Kat” Kramer taking home the Best Supporting Actress title for her depiction of Peter’s ex-wife “Fran”. Kramer is no stranger to inclusivity, with her series Kat Kramer’s Films that Change the World celebrating and showcasing diversity & equal opportunity casting. All in all the only fault that can be found with this dish is perhaps a lacking in wig budget. Still, with that brushed to the side, there are enough layers to warrant a miniseries harkening a Hallmark flavor. The meat of the movie is inviting for all, and the feel-good film Turnover has a special place at the table as well as in our hearts.

Kat Kramer as Fran and Paul Guilfoyle as Peter

Kat’s mother and fellow actress Karen Sharpe, supporting her daughter on the red carpet of the Love International Film Festival

Naiia Lajoie and Kat Kramer