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5.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Southsiders remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for older, gentler comedies, then sure, dive in. It’s perfect for a slow Sunday afternoon. If you need pacing, high stakes, or anything resembling modern tension, you’re going to be bored to tears within twenty minutes. It’s cozy, not frantic.
The whole thing feels like it’s being staged right in front of you, which makes sense given its roots as a play. Sometimes, the transition to the screen is a bit clunky. You can really tell when someone is waiting for their cue to walk into the frame.
Dagmar Ebbesen is the glue holding this together. She’s got this way of looking at people that just cracks me up. It’s not broad comedy; it’s just very human, very tired, and very funny in a quiet way.
They put a lot of effort into making the streets feel lived-in, though you can tell the budget didn't allow for much beyond a few well-placed props. It reminded me a bit of the simplicity in —it’s got that same “we’re doing the best with what we’ve got” energy.
It doesn’t try to be profound. It doesn’t try to be a masterpiece. It’s just people living their lives, bickering over small things, and eventually getting along because that’s what neighbors do. It’s nice to watch something that isn't screaming for your attention.
Is it perfect? Hardly. Some of the emotional beats feel like they were tacked on because the writers felt obligated to wrap things up. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Real life doesn’t always have a tidy ending either. ☕
Don't expect the technical wizardry of something like Lady Windermere's Fan. This is home cooking, not a five-course meal. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.