If You Should Leave Before Me: Review.

After 27 years together, Mark (Shane P. Allen) and Joshua (John Wilcox) have seen it all and had every minor argument. They bicker over coffee, Mark being a little uptight and Joshua being more of a free spirit, but it’s all done with love. Yet, dealing with a recent tragedy pushes the couple into a new line of work, guiding the recently deceased. Premiering at the Raindance Film Festival, If You Should Leave Before Me blends genres ranging from indie drama to absurdist comedy, all while posing the big questions about life, death, and everything after.

Living in the memories of their shared home, Mark and Joshua’s lives as guides are chaotic and quirky. Doors suddenly appear throughout the house, leading them to their next “client,” the baggage that comes with them. From a “discount Narina” forest in a closet to the stacks of dishes in a big pink storage room, each new door opens the couple to new challenges, not just with the deceased but within themselves. But mingled within helping those with trauma find solace lurks something darker, hidden deep within Mark’s own acceptance of mortality.

If You Should Leave Before Me is a showcase for Shane P. Allen and John Wilcox. They are the constant throughout the narrative, guiding each spirit into the next. Wilcox goes for it in each scene, whether it’s committing to domestic bliss of coffee consumption, trekking through a cardboard forest, or an impromptu battle to the death (or second death), Wilcox is giving it everything. Allen contrasts’ Wilcox’s high energy ‘ with a more anxiety-ridden, subtle performance completely in tune with his character. Seeing the character’s relationship unfold in such a silly, strange, yet still dark world makes the performances even stronger and accentuates the film’s creative premise.

The Andersons know how to balance the sad with the silly. If You Should Leave Before Me is the unique film that can have a Nazi shoot a Kung-fu assassin just before hitting the most significant character beat of the story. But within all of the wild cardboard cars, breaking plates, and Christmas tree welding fights, the story is about death and acceptance. It’s a heavy theme, but one The Andersons tackle with grace and forgiveness. Not every character beat and adventure aligns with the core themes, but all make characters a little richer in the overall narrative.

Premise and performances take If You Should Leave Before Me far. The genre blending is creative and showcases clear inspiration from Everything Everywhere All at Once, especially in the second half. It’s weird, charming, and sweet in all the right places. Runtime is a killer and does drag a bit in the middle. A clean 90-minute version could enhance overall engagement without compromising characterization. However, massive fans of the film may appreciate the extra 30 minutes of Mark & Joshua’s adventures. If You Should Leave Before Me is not for everyone, but it’s something for indie fans to admire. Creativity and indie innovation combined with a passion for filmmaking radiate through every scene, making it a solid watch for the Raindance Film Festival experience. 

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