There’s something special when, despite a small production value and limited funds for high quality video equipment, the resulting feature is still quite astounding. To retell the story of finding one’s self after heartbreak isn’t cliché when told in a congenially funny, offbeat and quirky way. Harmony and Me is a very natural way of showing us a character who is defined by the people around him, especially when the love of his life still “keeps on breaking his heart” long after she has moved on.

The film follows the tragedy of Harmony, whose life after his relationship forces him to find ways of dealing with an already dreary life of inconsiderate brothers, a dying mother and a work life much like Office Space (except with pedophilia). His friends sincerely try their best to relieve his pain using homeopathic remedies and some serious existential questions (like, “Wasn’t she way out of our league?”), but it is ultimately Harmony’s need to express himself in song that gives the film its redeeming quality.

Our lowly protagonist (Justin Rice of indie band Bishop Allen) is the sad pathetic music master in search of a melody. It’s smart, quirky and funny watching such a sad man sing.

Grade: A



Harmony and Me releases in select theaters March 26.