Sacramento is a warm, funny, and occasionally painful exploration of a friendship that’s as loving as it is complicated. This indie road trip dramedy follows two old friends as they navigate their inner struggles and shared history with heart and humor. It earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its emotional honesty and sharp storytelling.
Plot:
The story kicks off after the death of Rickey’s father. Rickey (played by Michael Angarano), ever the spontaneous spirit, convinces his estranged friend Glenn (Michael Cera) to embark on an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Glenn, weighed down by adult responsibilities and irked by Rickey’s carefree nature, agrees after a gentle nudge from his pregnant wife, Rosie (Kristen Stewart). As the two men set out in Glenn’s old college car—its faded yellow seats as worn as their bond—they confront long-held grudges, revisit past choices, and question what lies ahead.
Review:
Directed by Michael Angarano, Sacramento features a small but strong cast, including Kristen Stewart, Maya Erskine, Michael Cera, and Angarano himself. Co-written with Chris Smith, the script is both heartfelt and relatable. Angarano also impresses behind the camera, drawing natural, deeply human performances from his cast.
The decision to cast himself alongside Michael Cera proves effective, allowing the audience to see them not as the quirky young actors of the past, but as grown men grappling with adulthood, change, and emotional vulnerability. The film avoids typical road trip clichés for much of its runtime, instead choosing to focus on nuanced character work and raw emotional beats.
Glenn’s growing skepticism toward Rickey adds tension, but a pivotal argument shifts their journey into something more meaningful. The character development feels earned, and the evolving friendship is portrayed with honesty and tenderness.
At just 89 minutes, Sacramento captures the essence of male friendship and the anxiety of impending fatherhood without overstaying its welcome. While female characters like Rosie take a backseat, the film remains focused on its core themes, offering a rare, introspective look at male emotionality.
However, the final 25 minutes speed up noticeably, leaning more on familiar road trip tropes. While this slightly softens the impact of the climax, it doesn’t take away from the film’s overall strength and sincerity.
There’s a gentle nostalgia running through Sacramento, used thoughtfully to underscore its themes of growth, regret, and connection. Despite a few uneven moments, it remains a moving, understated tale about rediscovering friendship—and yourself.
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