Within an environment of autos, their parts, and everything `60s that can be associated with them, in pastels scratched out from beneath an inky surface, we witness Li'l Bit's ride down her life's highway. Born to a family that assigned nicknames on the basis of genitalia, Bit boasts an outstanding bosom, whose most ardent admirer is Uncle Peck, a pedophile who'll co-map her journey. Milestones include her first driving lesson, a might-have-been-porno photography session, a birthday dinner where she imbibes too much (despite detailed sermons on social drinking by her soon-swishing mother), and finally, her break with college and the secret relationship. "Family's family" states both premise and conclusion of Li'l Bit's "driving" diversions and decisions.
And what a family! Lynn Laurence's Mother raises the devil with her sermonizing, while, as Peck's wife, she hangs her head in denial and silent knowledge. Kenneth Matthews lasciviously letches as Big Papa and, among other bits, as one of Li'l Bit's awkward younger conquests. Brenda Norbeck's show-stopping scene has Grandma screaming about the pangs of intercourse, especially outside of marriage, punctuated by stabs at her embroidery. With control, Kim Bennett raises shivers as well as indignation as the sometimes Southern gentleman Uncle Peck whom we just as often pity. Kathy Danzer's Li'l Bit believably moves from innocence to compliance to enabling her own ill fortune. She carefully avoids being merely a victim.
With most episodes in Drive both funny and chilling, director Holloway elicits beautifully-balanced performances in right rhythms.
