Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 10, 2025

Co-writers/directors Alexi Pappas and Jeremy Teicher were previously focused on the wide world of sports. They explored the troubles of a long- distance runner in 2016’s “Tracktown,” and spotlighted an outbreak of love for a cross-country skier in 2020’s “Olympic Dreams.” They ditch athleticism for a different kind of competition in “Not an Artist,” which follows the general anxiety and collision of personalities that occurs at a retreat for creative minds and all the insecurities they can carry. It’s another winner for Pappas and Teicher, who do very well with characterization and mood, exploring the semi-comical ways of the getaway and all the internal chaos it inspires. “Not an Artist” eventually moves too far away from humor, but up to this point, it connects, presenting an amusing take on self-imposed pressures and life woes, sold with terrific performances that capture a few complex emotions.

Alice (Alexi Pappas) is a twentysomething woman who’s “divorcing” her dad, Charles (Matt Walsh), a doctor who’s lost his practice, moving into an RV for a camping adventure. She’s off to spend some time at The Residency, a camp for artists run by The Abbott (Bobby Diggs), who oversees a program that strictly enforces creative inspection, trying to push the chosen to reach their “fullest potential.” Alice is joined by painter Claire (Ciara Bravo), playwright Kimmy (Rosalind Chao), painter Wesley (Haley Joel Osment), sculptor Indigo (Cleopatra Coleman), poet Christopher (Clark Moore), and filmmaker Donte (GaTa), and the gang is quickly pushed to their limits as they seek to understand their talents. The Abbott offers money to those who quit, adding pressure to the situation, but Alice is tested in full when Charles arrives at The Residency, looking for a place to stay, gradually becoming a participant in the program, much to his daughter’s horror.

Alice needs to clear her mind, and she can’t do that with her father around. “Not an Artist” delves into creation and introspection, but it’s primarily a story about a parent and his child trying to understand the world without each other for a change. Charles has been a widower for decades, and professional woes have inspired him to buy an RV, planning to visit a national park and work as a telehealth doctor, keeping his distance from Alice. She’s set to stay at The Residency, quickly exposed to the stern vibe of the camp, which requires a signature on a thick contract to attend, as The Abbott has strict rules about conduct he’s ready to enforce. There are two separate adventures created in “Not an Artist,” as Alice enters an experience surrounded by strangers all possessing anxiety about their art. And Charles deals with himself, newly refreshed on all sorts of humiliation.

Laughs are primarily found with Charles and his RV odyssey, first stopping at a park where he manages to disturb nature and enrage fellow campers. Kicked out of his temporary home, he searches for places to stay, daring to reconnect with Beth (Morgan Walsh), a girlfriend he wronged. Alice experiences her own personal turbulence, newly in touch with others barely handling a crisis of artistic faith. She’s pursuing the art of audiobook creation, but doesn’t have inspiration, and doubt seeps into everyone’s lives, as Wesley threatens suicide if he can’t master painting. The campers are tempted to ring “The Quitting Bell” and accept a check for their failure, putting pressure on Alice and a few others to really plunge deep, which dredges up some pleasingly itchy character business. Awkwardness is also embraced as the individuals assess one another, learning more about Alice’s odd OnlyFans business and her sexuality in the process.

Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation works with the indie film imagery of "Not an Artist," which attempts to remain as natural as possible. Exteriors offer fresh greenery and woodsy browns around cabin life. Colors also remain vibrant on artful presentations, including bursts of painting achievements. Decorative additions are also lively, along with lighting achievements. Detail carries some texture with art presentations and skin particulars. Cabin interiors retain dimension, and exteriors preserve depth, allowing for an appreciation of isolation and nature. Delineation is satisfactory. Mild banding is detected.

Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is a mostly frontal listening experience, primarily focusing on dialogue exchanges. Performances are always appreciable, exploring different styles and emotional exchanges without disruption. Scoring is softer, supporting personal interactions with gentle instrumentation, and some musical moods carry into the surrounds, but never forcefully. Soundtrack selections are more pronounced, with sharp vocals. Atmospherics are also milder, providing a sense of outdoor spaces and room tone. Low-end isn't challenged.

Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Cast Interviews (HD) include "Ciara Bravo" (2:05), "Clark Moore" (1:52), "Cleopatra Coleman" (1:31), "Gata" (1:23), "Haley Joel Osment" (2:43), and "Rosalind Chao" (1:11). These are EPK-style conversations, finding the cast (recorded on-set) exploring their characters and experiences on the improv-driven film, also detailing story points from the picture.

• Image Gallery (1:31) collects BTS snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:44, HD) is included.

Not an Artist Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The arrival of Charles at The Residency plays like a chance to up the jokes in "Not an Artist," as the goofy, needy dad returns to his overwhelmed daughter's life, embarrassing her. However, Pappas and Teicher go the opposite route, using the awkward reunion to get into their relationship woes, as The Abbott pushes for honesty and confession to best extract pure art. Comedy is missed, and the writing isn't particularly satisfying when exploring more personal relationships, but "Not an Artist" successfully navigates a tonal turn in its final act. The production is also boosted by lively performances and curiosity about the creative process, as The Abbott is asking the impossible from his campers, resulting in a true test of vision and integrity. The picture remains modest in execution, but Pappas and Teicher secure a few big laughs during the journey, and perhaps some knowing nods of appreciation from anyone who's struggled with their self-expression.