Barefoot (2014)

Barefoot (2014) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Barefoot (2014), directed by Andrew Fleming, is a romantic dramedy that offers a quirky and heartwarming take on the familiar “opposites attract” trope. The film stars Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman in leading roles, bringing together two characters from vastly different worlds. While Barefoot didn’t make a huge splash at the box office, it has since found a small, loyal audience due to its charm, unusual storyline, and sweet performances.

In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and the unique dynamic between the two main characters. We’ll also discuss where you can stream or rent Barefoot online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

The film follows Jay Wheeler (Scott Speedman), a wealthy but aimless man from a prominent family who’s dealing with a string of bad decisions. He’s a gambler with mounting debts and a troubled personal life. On the brink of disaster, he reluctantly agrees to attend his brother’s wedding, hoping to win back his family’s approval. The problem? He needs a date to prove he’s cleaning up his act.

Enter Daisy Kensington (Evan Rachel Wood), a sheltered young woman who has spent most of her life in isolation in a psychiatric facility. Daisy, naive and childlike, escapes the hospital and meets Jay under unusual circumstances. Desperate for a date, Jay brings Daisy to his brother’s wedding, presenting her as his girlfriend. What begins as a façade soon blossoms into an unexpected romance as Jay and Daisy grow closer. Along the way, Jay’s jaded outlook on life begins to soften, while Daisy’s innocence and honesty help him rediscover a sense of purpose.

The film explores themes of personal redemption, the complexities of family dynamics, and the healing power of love, albeit with a lighthearted, occasionally offbeat approach.

Key Characters and Performances

• Evan Rachel Wood as Daisy Kensington
  Evan Rachel Wood delivers a touching and nuanced performance as Daisy, a woman who is mentally fragile yet full of wonder and innocence. Her portrayal of Daisy is key to the film’s emotional depth, as she gives the character a sense of vulnerability while never straying into melodrama. Wood’s performance is delicate and restrained, making Daisy’s innocence feel genuine and endearing. Daisy’s barefoot nature—a symbol of her purity and her distance from societal norms—adds to the film’s quirky, romantic charm.
• Scott Speedman as Jay Wheeler
  Scott Speedman portrays Jay as a man stuck between his desire to break free from his family’s expectations and his own self-destructive tendencies. Speedman’s performance effectively captures Jay’s initial selfishness and cynicism, and he handles the character’s gradual transformation into a more thoughtful and caring person with subtlety. The chemistry between Speedman and Wood is believable, grounding the more fantastical elements of the story in a genuine emotional connection.
• J.K. Simmons as Dr. Bertleman
  J.K. Simmons has a supporting role as Dr. Bertleman, the psychiatrist overseeing Daisy’s care. Simmons, known for his strong character work, adds a level of professionalism and seriousness to the film. Though his screen time is limited, his interactions with Daisy provide insight into her character and the reasons behind her behavior.

What to Expect from Barefoot

Strengths

1. Unique Concept: The premise of Barefoot is unusual, blending romance with a mental health storyline in a way that avoids being overly dramatic. Daisy’s innocence and Jay’s jaded outlook create a dynamic that feels fresh compared to typical romantic comedies. While some elements of the plot stretch believability, the film’s tone remains light and charming.
2. Sweet Chemistry Between Leads: The heart of Barefoot lies in the chemistry between Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman. Their on-screen relationship is both heartwarming and bittersweet, with Daisy’s naiveté and Jay’s emotional journey adding depth to their growing connection. Despite the film’s whimsical nature, the actors’ performances anchor it with real emotional stakes.
3. Cinematography and Locations: The film is visually appealing, with its road trip sequences capturing the beauty of open landscapes, and the elegant settings of Jay’s family’s world providing a nice contrast to Daisy’s simpler existence. This juxtaposition of environments underscores the stark differences between the characters’ worlds, adding to the film’s central theme of personal transformation.
4. Lighthearted with Emotional Depth: While the film maintains a lighthearted tone, it doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes such as mental illness, the complexities of family expectations, and personal redemption. This combination of humor, romance, and drama allows Barefoot to resonate on more than one level, offering a feel-good experience without being overly saccharine.

Weaknesses

1. Simplistic Approach to Mental Health: One of the film’s weaknesses is its somewhat simplified portrayal of mental illness. Daisy’s character, while endearing, is written in a way that romanticizes her innocence without delving deeply into the complexities of her mental state. Viewers looking for a more nuanced exploration of mental health issues may find this aspect lacking.
2. Predictable Plot: While the performances and unique premise keep the film engaging, the storyline follows a fairly predictable rom-com formula. The arc of Jay’s redemption and the couple’s inevitable romance feels telegraphed from the beginning, which may not offer many surprises for seasoned viewers of the genre.
3. Believability: The film asks the audience to suspend disbelief when it comes to certain elements, particularly regarding Daisy’s escape from the psychiatric facility and the ease with which Jay integrates her into his life. For some viewers, this might undermine the film’s emotional authenticity.

Direction and Cinematography

Andrew Fleming, known for his work on films like The Craft (1996) and Dick (1999), brings a gentle touch to Barefoot. The direction is unobtrusive, allowing the performances and emotional beats to shine. The pacing is smooth, and the film’s visual style complements the story’s romantic and whimsical elements.

The cinematography, by Alexander Gruszynski, is another highlight of the film. The scenes in Jay’s opulent family home contrast beautifully with the open road trip sequences, capturing the different worlds that the characters inhabit. The film has a soft, warm color palette that complements its lighthearted, romantic tone.

Where to Watch Barefoot Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

As of now, Barefoot can be found on several popular streaming platforms for rental or purchase:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • Barefoot is available for both rent and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs $3.99, while purchasing the film ranges from $9.99 to $12.99, depending on the video quality (SD/HD).
2. Vudu
   • Vudu offers Barefoot for rent and purchase, with similar pricing to Amazon. Renting in SD/HD costs about $2.99 to $3.99, and buying the film ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
3. Apple iTunes
   • Barefoot is also available on Apple iTunes for rental and purchase. Prices align with other digital platforms, with rentals costing around $3.99 and purchases starting at $9.99.
4. Google Play Movies
   • Google Play Movies provides Barefoot for rental or purchase, offering similar pricing to its competitors, with rentals at $3.99 and purchase options at $9.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

If you prefer to rent or purchase the film directly from other digital platforms, these are additional options:

• YouTube Movies
• Microsoft Store

Rental prices across platforms generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, while purchase options typically range between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

For fans who enjoy collecting DVDs and Blu-rays, Barefoot is available on physical media. It can be purchased through major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. The DVD release doesn’t come with many special features, but for collectors, owning a physical copy is always an option.

Conclusion

Barefoot (2014) is a charming and unconventional romantic dramedy that offers an offbeat take on the genre. With standout performances from Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman, the film strikes a balance between humor, romance, and emotional depth. While the plot may be predictable and its portrayal of mental health somewhat simplistic, the film’s heartwarming story and likable leads make it an enjoyable watch.

If you’re in the mood for a quirky, feel-good romance with a touch of whimsy, Barefoot is a solid choice. Its availability on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play Movies ensures that it’s easy to access for those looking to add a sweet, unique film to their watchlist.