Yuri is a Black Russian weightlifter. He's massive and imposing as a physical presence. But inside, Yuri is shy and gentle, looking to release stress and lead a more serene life. But he often finds himself at odds with the world, who can't see him for the kind, soft-hearted person he is. But one day at a yard sale, he meets an elderly Japanese woman, Hiroko, and the pair become unlikely best friends. Hiroko is saucy and sharp-tongued, as well as a recluse who hoards memorabilia she can't let go of. But she teaches Yuri the art of Japanese flower arrangement, called ikebana. As he finds his place in the world, he becomes more confident in his friendship with Hiroko-- until he accidentally treads upon some of her past sorrows. Directed and written by Johnnie Hobbs, this quirky, artful short dramedy chronicles its titular character's journey to find his place in the world, looking for a sense of belonging and the peace that comes with being authentically himself. Like Yuri himself, the tone of the steadily paced storytelling is layered and complex.
When Yuri encounters people's projections of who he is and how they treat him, the humor can be wry and almost absurd, as are the visuals, whose framings emphasize how out of place Yuri is. Ultimately, like Yuri, the film is sincere in evoking the alienation we feel when we aren't seen or heard for who we are -- and what a beautiful relief it is to find connection, beauty and solace. The first part of the film finds Yuri alone, and his encounters with others are often dehumanizing, reacting to him as if he's a potential menace because of his appearance. Yet his efforts -- doing yoga, listening to self-help, getting a massage -- show someone seeking softness and peace. And he's touchingly eager when he speaks to others to find common ground, share a joke or offer a smile. But he doesn't find someone who reciprocates his humanity until he meets Hiroko. When he does, his world opens up, as these two misfits find friendship, laughter and helpfulness. As a character-centered narrative, the visuals have a weighty steadiness and unexpected touches of delicacy, especially as Yuri learns the art of ikebana. But much of its success rests on the soulful and rich performance of its lead actor, Anthony Darrell, who has the imposing appearance of a weightlifter. But Darrell also beautifully communicates something deeper about Yuri from the beginning: his kindness, humility and a capacity for deep feeling. He also explores an appreciation for beauty, whether it's of the flowers he learns to arrange or the intelligence and humor of his new friend Hiroko, played with memorable energy and spark by actor Diana Tanaka. And in learning ikebana, he begins to appreciate the beauty of himself.
Yuri learns self-love, in all his uniqueness and richness of character -- a realization that allows him to weather conflict with his friend when he tries to help her and comes up against her hidden emotional bruises. As Yuri kindly and gently helps his friend through her travails, YURI ends by creating a circle of emotional generosity and kindness. It leaves viewers with a warmhearted feeling and a balm for the spirit, as well as hope that we can all feel at home in the world, both within ourselves and with one another.
