Indie cinema thrives on raw storytelling, and Olmo Schnabel's Pet Shop Days promises just that. The first official trailer teases a chaotic, neon-lit descent into Manhattan's underworld, blending romance, crime, and existential dread. With a cast featuring Jack Irv, Dario Yazbek Bernal, Willem Dafoe, and Peter Sarsgaard, this film aims to make a mark in the crowded indie scene. But will it deliver, or is it trying too hard to be the next Mean Streets?
The Story: A Desperate Escape and a Dangerous Love Affair
At its core, Pet Shop Days follows Alejandro (Dario Yazbek Bernal), a troubled runaway from Mexico, who finds himself entangled with Jack (Jack Irv), a pet store employee with his own demons. What begins as an intense romance quickly spirals into a world of drugs, crime, and moral decay. As Alejandro's past closes in on him, Jack faces an impossible choice: stick to his family or risk it all for a life on the run.
The film, co-written by Schnabel, Irv, and Galen Core, leans heavily into a grungy aesthetic, recalling the raw energy of '70s New York crime dramas while weaving in modern indie sensibilities. With Martin Scorsese's name attached as an executive producer, there's a clear attempt to channel the urban grit of classics like Taxi Driver and Bad Lieutenant.
The Aesthetic: Artful Grit or Overstylized Experiment?
Schnabel, son of artist-filmmaker Julian Schnabel, embraces a grainy, unpolished visual style that feels more like a fever dream than a traditional narrative film. The trailer hints at moments of stark beauty—harsh lighting, cluttered apartments, the pulsating streets of late-night New York—all underscored by a synth-heavy, ominous score.
But does this aesthetic serve the story, or is it merely an exercise in style over substance? The concern with many indie debuts is that they get lost in their own ambition, prioritizing visuals over emotional depth. Pet Shop Days walks this tightrope, and whether it sticks the landing remains to be seen.
Willem Dafoe and the Supporting Cast: A Saving Grace?
One of the film's biggest draws is its impressive supporting cast. Willem Dafoe, an actor who can elevate almost any material, lends his gravitas to the project. Peter Sarsgaard and Emmanuelle Seigner add further credibility, giving hope that even if the story meanders, the performances will keep audiences engaged.
But the real question is whether leads Jack Irv and Dario Yazbek Bernal can carry the emotional weight of the film. Their chemistry, glimpsed briefly in the trailer, suggests a volatile, magnetic connection. If the performances feel authentic, Pet Shop Days could transcend its indie-film trappings and become something truly special.
Final Thoughts: Will Pet Shop Days Stand Out?
Pet Shop Days hits select theaters on March 15, 2025, and while it has the potential to be a standout indie gem, it also risks being an overindulgent art piece that appeals only to niche audiences. The trailer certainly teases intrigue, but whether it has enough narrative substance to back up its stylistic choices remains to be seen.
Will this be a Spring Breakers-style cult hit or an ambitious misfire? We'll find out soon enough.
Personal Impressions
There's something inherently captivating about filmmakers who embrace risk, and Olmo Schnabel is clearly swinging for the fences. The trailer oozes atmosphere, but it also raises concerns about pacing and thematic cohesion. The involvement of Scorsese and Willem Dafoe adds credibility, but that alone isn't enough. My hope? That Pet Shop Days surprises us by blending its experimental edge with genuine emotional stakes.
Do you think Pet Shop Days has the makings of an indie classic, or does it seem like another overhyped festival film? Let us know your thoughts!
