Ep996: DANDELION (2024) - Movie Review + Red Carpet Interview w/ KIKI LAYNE!

Kicking the Seat

Fresh from the 11th Chicago Critics Film Festival, Ian and Pat look at one of 2024's breakout performances--with an early review of KiKi Layne in Dandelion!

Writer/director Nicole Riegel's indie drama centers on the eponymous struggling musician (Layne), whose shot at fame was derailed years ago when her mother took ill. Now, pushing 30, and with no prospects beyond singing to distracted hotel bar patrons, Dandelion travels from Ohio to South Dakota for a song contest/biker rally. There she meets a country/folk band, and falls for one of its singers, a dreamy UK transplant named Casey (Thomas Doherty).

The film marks a new era for Layne, who until now has been strictly known as an actress (in films like If Beale Street Could Talk, The Old Guard, and Don’t Worry, Darling). In Dandelion, the star shares another talent with the world: a magnificent singing voice.

In this (mostly) spoiler-free review, Ian and Pat discuss the film's unabashedly indie sensibilities; its place among great movies about making art, and whether or not it is more post-racial than its creators may think.

Plus: Ian spoke briefly with KiKi Layne on the Dandelion red carpet at CCFF. Stay til the end to find out how Layne and Riegel created the character of Dandelion, and what Layne will take with her from the film into her next projects!

Note: Dandelion is still winding its way through the festival circuit, but is slated for theatrical release on July 12, from IFC Films!

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Show Links

• Catch up with Pat's full coverage of the 11th Chicago Critics Film Festival at HollywoodChicago.com.

  (And watch this space for Pat's interview with KiKi Layne, which we'll share when Dandelion hits theaters this July!)

• Listen to Pat's movie reviews on the radio at STAR 96.7.

• Can't get enough of Ian and Pat? Check out their regular retro repartee in our "There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia" Playlist!