Urbania (2000)

Amidst the vibrant chaos of New York City, we follow Charlie, a man entwined in grief, as he embarks on an introspective odyssey over the course of a fall weekend. His journey is a tapestry of planned rendezvous and fortuitous encounters, weaving together a rich narrative of life in the urban jungle. In the shadow of his apartment building, he converses with a homeless man, while his upstairs neighbors fill his nights with their boisterous love. He keeps vigil by the side of a dying friend and spends ephemeral moments with a bartender - a fleeting connection that leads him to follow her home. Amidst the city's pulsating heartbeat, he seeks out and befriends a stranger with ink-stained skin. Charlie's world is a microcosm of urban legends and striking moments of violence that echo through the city's concrete canyons. From a mischievous kidney thief to a macabre tale of a microwaved poodle, from a rat concealed in a hot dog bun to a forgotten baby atop a car, each story punctuates his journey. He navigates through the city's whispers of needles hidden in public-phone change slots and the paranoia of a tourist's toothbrush, adapting and adding to the lore with his own personal narratives. As he threads his way through these syncopated rhythms of city life, we're left to ponder the root of Charlie's melancholy. What catalyst has sparked his mournful exploration of life in the urban landscape? The answers lie hidden in the city's labyrinth, waiting to be discovered.

Urbania is a drama movie featuring Dan Futterman and directed by Jon Shear.

Urbania is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Urbania on Amazon Video.