Up in the Air

Not being familiar with the aerial silk routine of Cirque du Soleil, I was a little skeptical about the foundation for this romance. When I saw the poster, I couldn’t figure out what in the world they were doing. It looked like the girl was ascending into heaven wrapped in a drape and he was making a last-ditch grab to keep her earthbound and from a very bad fall. Watching the movie and the two leads in action practicing for their act, I still didn’t get it. It seemed more awkward and labored than beautiful and graceful. The whole idea seemed very peculiar.

But the romance part was strong, which has not often been the case lately. Gabby is given the job of managing the renowned but struggling arts festival by her boss. It is in a bit of difficulty, with flagging attendance and interest. Her idea to revitalize it is to pair the headliners with local amateur talent for the performances. One of the main attractions is her very own brother Bennett who is a successful Aerial Silk Artist (??? I don’t know what to call what he does! ) who was once an Olympic Athlete. Unfortunately, his usual partner has dropped out and Gabby is adamant that Oliver take on a local partner to support the theme of the event. She thinks of her friend Luna who is now in her family’s construction business and doing work for the upcoming festival. Luna was once a promising dancer but was injured and subsequently failed at some auditions and has lost her confidence. She still longs to dance though and is willing to try to get back in the game as Bennett’s partner. Bennett is not enthusiastic about the idea. In fact, he is downright rude. He has no patience for training amateurs. Yes, what we have here is the ole “Grumpy/Sunshine” trope. And it really works. This is not the first time Olivier Renaud has portrayed a cold difficult character and he is really good at it. Jocelyn Hudon was also well cast. Thus the tension between the bright and eager Luna and moody and critical Bennett added up to a very respectable slow-burn romance. The gradual melting of Bennett’s hostility and growing acceptance and respect for Luna was believable and realistically paced.  Despite Luna’s talent and her thankfully supportive family they face both inner doubts and skepticism from others. While working through their challenges they fall in love. Everything but the leads’ relationship was just filler and boring.

Their final performance after all of the hurdles was a win. With the music and lighting, I could see the appeal of the act. It certainly helped when I learned that Olivier Renaud was really in the Cirque du Soleil doing this very thing, and Jocelyn Hudon really does have a professional background in dance. So that made a real difference in my attitude towards the whole underlying concept. Anyway, their performance was a big hit and Luna and Bennett end up partners in love and professionally. Off they go into the sunset on a world tour. Hope they can make a go of it. But for now, everyone is happy, including Gabby who is made permanent managing director of the Festival.