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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Side Streets remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you're into those punchy, no-nonsense pre-code era dramas, yeah, give Side Streets a shot. It's perfect for a rainy afternoon when you don't want to think too hard about complex plot webs. If you need explosions or a fast-paced thriller, stay away. This is all about people making bad choices in rooms full of fur coats.
The whole thing starts with this sailor who’s just about out of options. He stumbles into this fur shop and suddenly he’s got a job, then a wife, then a baby. It happens so fast it’s almost dizzying. You can tell he’s not really cut out for the quiet life, but he tries—for about five minutes.
Aline MacMahon is doing some heavy lifting here. She plays the spinster shop owner with this weird mix of desperation and genuine kindness that I didn't expect. There’s a scene early on where she’s just tidying up the shop, and you can see she’s terrified that this guy is going to walk out on her. She doesn't even say it. She just touches the fabric a little too hard.
The pacing is a bit all over the place. Sometimes it feels like we’re skipping whole months of their marriage, then suddenly we’re stuck in a conversation that lasts way too long. It’s a bit jarring. It feels like the editors were just trimming scenes whenever they felt like it, which, honestly, gives the movie a strange, choppy rhythm that I kinda liked.
The cheating plot is as predictable as a sunrise. But maybe that’s the point. It’s not meant to be a mystery. It’s just watching someone walk toward a cliff they definitely see coming. The consequences aren't exactly earth-shattering, but they feel heavy for these people. It reminded me a bit of the domestic tension in Skyscraper Souls, though this one feels much smaller, more tucked away in a corner of the city.
There’s a moment towards the middle where the husband is just sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at his boots. The lighting is super dim, almost like they ran out of budget for the lamps. It’s a small detail, but it makes the room feel cramped, like it’s closing in on him. I don't know if that was intentional or just bad lighting, but it worked.
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not going to change your life. But for an hour or so, you’re stuck in this little shop with these two people who are clearly not meant for each other. Sometimes that’s enough. 🎞️
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