A Stroll Through The Narrows

So I just sat down with The Narrows, you know, that flick by François Velle. Didn’t know what to expect, honestly. The poster had that New York vibe, kinda gritty, kinda cool, and I was hoping it would be as intriguing as my random weekend in Stockholm back in ’87 – which by the way, involved too much coffee and an unfortunate incident with a seagull. But that’s a different story.

This film leans heavily into the trials of Mike Manadoro, played by the ever-charming Kevin Zegers. You’ve probably seen him before, right? The kid has come a long way since Air Bud. And there’s Sofia Bush adding some extra spice. The plot rolls around an Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, with Manadoro caught between family ties and dreams—kinda like being stuck between a smörgåsbord and a gym membership. A classic dilemma!

There’s this haunting quality to Mike’s journey, maybe reminding me a bit of late nights in Göteborg during Film Festival times where the air is thick with a mix of smog and optimism. Yet, something about The Narrows felt a smidgen familiar, like a second cousin at the family reunion. Perhaps it’s Velle’s directing that’s solid but never goes places I want it to.

Though the film dances around crime and ambition, at its heart it’s about identity. The narrows aren’t just in Brooklyn—they’re those tight passages, we all try to squeeze through while searching for who we are. Sitting through the movie, I couldn’t help but chuckle at how life’s paths narrow down amidst our humdrum routines.

Visit The Narrows if you’re in the mood for a trip through the alleys of self-discovery. But don’t expect it to blow your mind. It’s a cozy evening, not a midsummer bonfire. You get me?

Check the trailer below