What an utterly raw film. In so many ways.
A complex setting suffused with mixed emotions that are absolutely nailed by both leads.
As much a relationship drama as it is a treatise on the death penalty, this is an emotionally complicated and moving film.
Director Tali Shalom-Ezer's slow, deliberate pacing and simple shots almost make it feel like this emotionally complex tale is telling itself. (The recurring final meals are a cool device, and make for a nice payoff at the end.) While these choices cause the film to drag in some places, those moments don't last very long thanks to the gorgeous, intense performance from Elliott Page. Kate Mara keeps up and holds her own, but never quite matches the emotional rush of Page- especially in the final act. Pacing aside, my only quibble with the film is that the relationship at its center - between Lucy & Mercy - seems to come out of nowhere. Then again, maybe a look from a distance (both physical & political) is all that it takes for two lesbians to recognize a potential love interest. I wouldn't know. :wink:
Premise - 15/20 - Two people on the opposite sides of a political debate actually get along, talk, and don't really try to change each other? I had to see this for myself.
Cast/characters - 17/20 - Kate Mara is unbelievably hot in this movie. I don't mind saying I thought Elliot Page was also pretty hot back when she was Ellen Page. A little skinny, maybe, but her passion in this movie makes her hot. As Lucy and Mercy, I thought they were wonderful as people who have reasons outside religion or money to believe in something. The other cast could have been anyone, but each of them did their jobs. The guy Weldon was hard to figure out.
Story - 18/20 - Fantastic arc of a story, from black and white sides to finding gray areas where we can empathize with each other if we make that attempt. Just in case you think I'm in it for the art of the cinema, I came for the sex scenes and they didn't disappoint. Then I became pleasantly surprised by a good story and a sweet ending.
Dialogue - 16/20 - Their discussions were very strong to help develop their characters.
World-building - 16/20 - An interesting part was that no matter where they all were, it was the same people doing the same things. What really worked for me was the fact you see the lives of traveling protesters, and how they live their lives in order to make that happen.
This was a surprisingly good movie that I really enjoyed watching.
[MostraFIRE!!] The film moves into a narrative imbalance that does not finish materializing. It doesn't help a position that seems brave, but is actually conservative, because it does not take a clear look about death penalty. The love story between Ellen Page and Kate Mara is implausible and the sex scenes are shot with a prudish erotic approach that seems more intended for the male viewer .
Shout by FilVIP 8BlockedParent2020-05-21T21:15:49Z
The plot is simple yet solid with a few twist. The performances by Page and Mara, outstanding. Sad to learn that this movie apparently made pennies at the box office.
As an European I still can't get my head around the fact that it's normal for the family of the condemned to assist at the fucking execution accompanied by theatrical drapes. You guys are damn weird.