One can consider every square inch of Brooklyn and Manhattan cinematically mapped, but it will always be a unique perspective in films like Desiree Akhavan’s feature debut “Appropriate Behavior” that warrant another look. Centered around Shirin, an Iranian-American Brooklynite transitioning in and out of a major relationship with girlfriend Maxine, the film succeeds via Akhavan’s merging of several thematic strands —it's a coming out, culture clash and break-up dramedy all in one, told with a subtle touch.
We called it “a supremely satisfying and irreverent take on the New York rom-com” in our review, which will be familiar to anyone who’s seen Akhavan’s webseries “The Slope,” about two “superficial, homophobic lesbians,” produced with co-star Ingrid Jungermann while attending NYU’s graduate film program. “Appropriate Behavior” similarly started out in school as Akhavan’s thesis film, but its creative team met when she studied abroad in London and met Cecilia Frugiuele, her...
