JEANNE'S REVIEW

 Writer/director Nathan Deming’s Year Project is his wish to make a film for every month of the year --- and have each one set in the state of Wisconsin. FEBRUARY was shot on location in Eau Claire and Tomah, Wisconsin during that very frigid month.

Miguel (David Ezekiel Duran) has recently emigrated from Mexico and he’s living with his sister, Rosa (Nayeli Hernandez), and her husband, Louie (Erick Inestroza). Miguel and Rosa work at a chain hotel, and after that shift, Rosa is a waitress in a local diner, where Miguel hangs out until she is finished. At home, he hides in his room playing video games on his phone.

His poor sister tries to get Louie to spend time with Miguel --- in one of the funniest scenes thus far in 2025 (yes, I know it’s early, but their interaction --- or lack thereof --- is  hilarious) --- but to no avail. Miguel never speaks, leaving people to wonder if he can. But something does eventually pique his interest --- ice fishing.

His family is baffled, but he insists he wants to try it. As it turns out, Louie’s co-worker, Carl (Ritchie Gordon), is big on the sport, so under duress, he agrees to take Miguel with him. Ice fishing is a big deal in the Midwest. Growing up in Ohio, my father loved to ice fish. He was even photographed by a local newspaper because of his snazzy ensemble. But I digress ---

FEBRUARY is a truly delightful film. And at under one hour in length, it manages to tell a meaningful, fun story about humans and what motivates them. Especially impressive are the actors --- all of them professionals from Los Angeles except Gordon.

He was cast locally because Deming wanted someone who knew the sport. So, an ad was placed on Craigslist and Gordon’s wife submitted her husband. He may not have acted before, but it’s definitely not apparent --- he’s great.

Duran, Hernandez and Inestroza are all exceptional. Duran communicates a great deal without speaking --- and then he goes ice fishing, which reveals his verbal --- and singing --- skills. Hernandez and Inestroza play the frustrated sibling and in-law with just the right amount of exasperation. Practically flawless ---

Deming has a good thing going here. I seriously cannot wait to see what he does with the other months.

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID'S REVIEW

Writer/director Nathan Deming plans to make a different movie named after the twelve months of the year, all taking place in Wisconsin, all with short running times. JANUARY and FEBRUARY have been completed in what he calls his Year Project.

FEBRUARY focuses on a young Mexican immigrant named Miguel (David Ezekiel Duran) who has recently moved in with his sister, Rosa (Nayeli Hernandez), and her husband, Louie (Erick Inestroza). They live in a small Wisconsin town, and it takes place in February.

That’s important because a bit of Wisconsin winter recreation brings Miguel out of his shell. And while we expect that to happen, it’s a cinematic pleasure to watch it unfold.

Rosa is busy at her waitressing job in a diner that caters to regulars. By the time she arrives home, she’s a bit snippy, likely due to fatigue after working two jobs. The other is in a hotel with Miguel. Louie, meanwhile, is full of energy.

Miguel spends a lot of time on his bed in a makeshift bedroom concentrating on one thing only --- his cell phone. He doesn’t speak and doesn’t even acknowledge Rosa or his brother-in-law. At the urging of Rosa, Louie attempts to light a fire under Miguel about his slothful existence but is unsuccessful.

However, while visiting a local store, Miguel espies a tool used in ice fishing, and questions the store owner (R. Scott Purdy) who impatiently tells him to look it up on the internet. One thing leads to another and soon Miguel is paired with a local ice fisherman named Carl (Ritchie Gordon in his cinematic debut) who happens to be Louie’s weird co-worker.

The rest of the film centers on the budding relationship between Miguel and the much older Carl. Will they become friends, will Miguel ever flash a smile, will they catch any fish? These questions are all answered --- sharing a few beers helps --- in what is a charming, little slice-of-life story.  

The cast is quite good, including the smaller roles. But clearly it is Miguel’s moody outlook morphing into that of a normal human being enjoying himself that is refreshing. And thanks to a subtle but realistic turn from Duran it’s a joy to behold. The hole that Carl digs in the ice becomes a character all its own as we anxiously wait for the red bobber to begin moving.

Deming’s FEBRUARY takes only 49 minutes to run its course, but nary a second is wasted. In this era of movies running well over two hours, it’s a welcome change.

Opinion: See It Now!