In the indie romantic comedy You Can’t Say Know, Alex (Marguerite Moreau) and Hank (Hus Miller) are at the end of a 14-year-old marriage. Their relationship has never been communication-rich, things have gotten stale and a Hank affair has brought down the curtain. Just before they sign the divorce papers, they send the kids off to camp and take individual road trips. Coincidentally, they meet up on the road, and they play a game, taking turns to order the other to do something that he/she cannot refuse. Comic situations, raw emotions and redemption ensue.
Moreau is especially good as the wife who needs to express her anger but still believes that she will be happiest choosing an improved marriage over divorce. Alex is trying to find her path, and she’s definitely not a doormat. Moreau brings spunk and likeable charm to the role.
Peter Fonda is wonderful as Hank’s eccentric winemaking dad Buck. Hamish Linklater is sometimes hilarious as Buck’s wacky protegé. Ingrid Vollset brings spirit and sympathy as the free-spirited vagabond Allison.
Hus Miller wrote the screenplay in his feature debut as a writer. Unfortunately, You Can’t Say No doesn’t harvest its comic potential. The scenes are often a few counts too long, and the direction and editing tend to be clunky.
You Can’t Say No had its world premiere at Cinequest.
