Drunk Bus – A Sharp Indie Coming-of-Age Comedy (Early Review)

Coming-of-age tales have long been a staple of indie films with the best appealing to our experiences on an emotional level in a grounded way. When we see ourselves in what is happening on screen, it just hits even deeper. Regardless of age, everyone has hit a funk at some point in their lives, indefinitely relegating themselves to the comfort of the safe and known. While it may seem that all hope is lost, sometimes we need a push in the right direction to break that loop be it in the form of someone or something but it only matters if we are receptive to it and that struggle is real for many people. A film called Drunk Bus may not seem like one of these films but the film is much more than that, delivering a charming and often hilarious coming-of-age film comedy in its own right that is sure to appeal to all audiences thanks to some great characters, sharp writing, and a stellar lead performance to tie it all together.

Based on a true story, Drunk Bus follows a young man named Michael (Tahan), a recent college graduate stuck in the same Ohio town whose future was put on hold after a tough breakup, fleeing his issues by taking refuge in a feckless job as a late-night bus driver shuttling drunk college kids between parties and dorms. Feeling defeated, he merely resigned to that seemingly endless loop just like his bus route. Nevertheless, Michael made the best of his circumstances and the various cast of colorful characters that came with it. It may not be what he wanted but at least it was something he could control though that only went so far. Suffice it to say that his job was not an easy one, however, he still took it seriously. Ultimately, things would start to turn around for Michael upon meeting a man called Pineapple (Tangaroa), an imposing, face-tattooed Samoan who gave him exactly what he needed by challenging him to break out of his loop and starting taking risks so he can start living again.

What Drunk Bus gets right is that struggle of simply going through those motions day in and day out, supporting one’s self by making the best out of a bad situation. Michael’s struggle specifically was compelling to watch as one can’t help but feel bad for him while also wanting him to succeed. An obvious contrast in every way, Pineapple helped Michael to see where his life was and where it was going and the way he went about doing it was an absolute blast to watch. He was a security guard whom his bus service hired to protect him following an incident though he certainly went above and beyond that duty. Over their time together, the two formed a strong bond as Michael increasingly came out of his shell and started living again and addressing the issues that were holding him back so he can finally move on with his life.

In the end, the best part of Drunk Bus and what makes it all work was Tahan’s stellar performance as Michael. Showing plenty of vulnerability and range, Michael’s journey was compelling to watch as it was easy to relate to his struggle which only made his subsequent turnaround even more satisfying. His chemistry with Tangaroa, the real-life counterpart of the true story in which the film is based and not a traditional actor by any means but still held his own, was also great as they were fun to watch working off of one another. Often a straight man of sorts, those roles reversed a few times over the course of the film.

At the end of the day, Drunk Bus offers a ride worth taking.

still courtesy of SXSW

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.