Benutzerrezensionen

This movie fits the "indie movie" mold. Short, sweet, leaves you wanting more of these characters. Amy Seimetz is excellent, and a very believable older sister to Ellen Page. This movie had me crushing on Kate Mara to the point that I immediately followed her on Instagram.

I find the film very touching. Both the capital punishment subplot and the romance subplot are very engaging. The emotions are well conveyed, and the characters simply make you feel for them.

I thought this was a very well done movie. This is what an indie movie should be( see prior reviews) I think I've only seen Ellen Page in a few things. Realized she was the girl from Super ( really liked her in that) She is a really good diverse actor. I think the acting was good by all, only not excellent one was the attorney. And he was still decent. Spoiler; When Lizzy tells Mercy about what happened really felt it was real. very good acting. The story is a depressing one but I thought it was a good film.

Greetings again from the darkness. There have been some fine movies centered on death row. These include: THE GREEN MILE (1999), DEAD MAN WALKING (1995), THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE (2003), and TRUE CRIME (1999). The only one I can remember that even comes close to also being a love story is MONSTER'S BALL (2001), and if you've seen it, you would likely agree that it's not exactly a warm and fuzzy story of romance. With this latest, however, Israeli director Tali Shalom-Ezer and British writer Joe Barton combine for a romantic story where death row plays a vital part.

Ellen Page stars as Lucy. She travels around the country in a well-worn motorhome with her older sister Martha (Amy Seimetz, UPSTREAM COLOR) and their little brother Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC), as they partake in the anti-death penalty demonstrations outside the prison gates as the next execution takes place. Across the parking lot, the pro-death penalty side hold their own signs and keep their own vigil. Lucy's eyes lock on those of a striking young woman from the other side. When they meet, the ironically named Mercy (Kate Mara) aggressively flirts with the shy and confused Lucy, and the two sneak out for drinks at a bar.

Soon Lucy is anxiously awaiting the next protest so that she can meet up with Mercy. The sexual tension builds as they get to know each other, and their awkward friendship turns romantic. Their activism for different sides of an important topic doesn't have any negative impact on their attraction to each other. Each woman has been personally affected by the death penalty, and as viewers we struggle with the idea that these two lovebirds part each time with what amounts to 'see you at the next execution!'

Elias Koteas (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 1990) plays Lucy's death row dad, and Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER) plays the attorney who is simultaneously working on his case and on Lucy's sister Martha. The acting here is top notch as Kate Mara balances the two sides of Mercy, and Ellen Page flashes her familiar JUNO snark - albeit with the heft of a wisened adult. Ms. Seimetz adds to her list of always-interesting characters, and has a couple of truly outstanding scenes.

Blending love and the death penalty makes for an unusual combination, and we do understand that folks choose their side based on personal belief and circumstances. For the film, the death penalty issue is a bit of a distraction to the story of these two people, though it's admirable that Mr. Barton chose to give them a personal stake in two different cases, rather than the same - which we would expect in a lesser movie. The use of "last meals" is quite creative, as we see the actual food, as well as the name of the inmate, the crime, and the prison.

The fallout from executions is widespread. Perhaps no one wants a narrative film focused entirely on such a depressing and divisive topic. We do ask ourselves if a romantic relationship is even possible for two who are diametrically opposed on such an emotional topic. It's an ending that lets no one off the hook easily. Life is hard. So is death. Make your choices wisely.

Once in a while we get a movie like this. No need for visual trickery no fancy over the top set pieces. Just two outstanding actresses and a good script. To get the nitpick out of the way the movie drags a little even though it is pretty short. That being said everything else is outstanding. It again without doing much shows you how cruel death penalty is like this is news. In 2019 even a flatearther has a stronger argument than a death penalty supporter. And even though the USA is the last democratic country to have it it is thankfully just a matter of time until it is gone. Mara and page are outstanding in every scene. They do so much with so little. Page as always is so believable. You can feel what she feels at any given second. I am not surprised this didn't get a wide release. Movies like this have a hard time. But we need so much more of this. So much more about movies that make you think about them even days later.

Anything with Ellen Page in it is worth a watch, this movie included. She absolutely nails it. I like that this movie is not a remake of anything or based on any books.. It's an original idea and an interesting one too and not one you'd have seen before. The 2 main characters have a good chemistry and are generally sweet together, even though a maybe slightly funny match. I guess some people might find this film boring but I think it's definitely worth a watch.

I like the characters, they are pretty good written. I like how the story goes - the beginning is really interesting. It's not only that, because the scenario around the two main characters fits perfectly. But at about the middle of the movie it becomes a nerving war, because the characters beginn to act (partly) totally cheesy. Then it becomes like a teenage nerv rampage. That destroyed the good impression the movie made in it's beginning. I recommend this for teenies. ;)

If you think the film will showcase a beautiful story about people on opposing sides coming to understand each other like the plot suggests, you'll be disappointed. This movie could have been profound I imagine, given its serious material and relevance to the current political divides in our world, but it's really just a sad story with no real resolution.

It annoyed me immensely that the writers didn't even bother making up a good excuse for why these two female characters were drawn to each other. I mean, we're really given nothing. Kate's character sees a downtrodden and frumpy Elliot Page stepping out of a camper in the distance and that's enough for Kate to pursue her like there's no tomorrow? It's like - one minute she's super passionate about being pro-capital punishment, and the next she's awkwardly inviting her anti-capital punishment "enemy" to a night out. And the worst part is we don't even get to see the relationship unfold into something deep where they challenge each others' stances and such. However we do get some sexy love scenes. But there's no depth to the relationship.

Page's acting was compelling, per usual, though. It is what carries the film.

This is one of those movies that has so many layers it becomes profound.

The romantic relationship of the two main characters areas important as the family struggles with the death penalty, but none of the story lines takes away from the other, if anything they complement each other to make a beautiful movie.

In a world were most movies are remakes and reboots, it is refreshing to see an original movie with a great story, amazing performances from the cast.

I was mesmerized.

The actors did an excellent job. This is a story that, as far as the romance goes, could happen to anyone. Full of emotion.

I feel like they were definitely going for something here. Unfortunately they did not pull it off. The story could have used some work. The acting is bad as well.

Overall, I think they could have done a much better job. This story certainly has the potential for a good story, but it just didn't all come together this time around. Do not recommend.

The best part of this movie is the love story between Lucy and Mercy, not the least because of the amazing chemistry between Ellen Page and Kate Mara. The rest of the story falls horribly flat. I didn't buy into the anti or pro-death penalty angle, I was unmoved by the constant references to the executions that mark the various scenes. I also had no feeling about the other plot, the execution of Lucy, Martha, and Ben's father Simon.I have a feeling most of this movie was left on the cutting room floor.

This movie was predictable.They could have put Ellen and Kate into any scenario and it would have worked. All in all, I can't deny the fact that Ellen and Kate are amazing actresses. Their love story is the only thing that was good in this movie. For that alone its worth watching at least once.

Let's begin by acknowledging that Kate Mara and Elliot Page are the on screen duo that I never knew I needed.

I first saw Kate Mara in "House of Cards", and I've been drawn to anything she plays in ever since. Very intelligent and calculated woman, it seems, and she portrays that well in her acting roles.

Elliot Page is such an underrated actress, however I think that's what I've learned to like about her. She tends to take on more "indie" style roles, and I'm rarely disappointed by them. Truly, one of the most believable actresses of our time.

My favorite part of this film is that it's original. So many of the films that Hollywood is putting out these days seems so polished and "politically correct", that it's hard to find a storyline in the chaos. This movie is far from that. It's a breath of fresh air to see real people, with real problems, and taking that journey with them.

My rating is based on the pace of the film, as I did feel it was a tad longer than it truly needed to be. It's not a "must see" film by any means, however it is the perfect flick to sit down and watch if you're looking to experience something fresh and original.

A dramatic representation of guilt, mercy and capital punishment framed by a lesbian relationship.

Oddly enough, despite the blurb and the advertising marketing this as a 'lesbian' flick, I was much more taken with the other plot thread... a family struggling to deal with unthinkable tragedy. Their mother murdered, their father accused of the crime, two sisters and their kid brother forced to fend for themselves: pretty heavy stuff.

And it's powerful in places, especially with the added weight of the whole capital punishment debate. There wasn't really much need for the explicit sex scenes or a very awkward scene in a house where no-one knows Kim Mara's character is gay. Her and Ellen Page have reasonable chemistry, but I couldn't help but feel like their relationship was sometimes an unwelcome distraction from other more interesting stuff going on in the background.

Whatever. The material we do have here make it more than worth a watch. Give it a try. 6/10

No this wasn't a perfect movie. The screenplay was a bit cheesy and sometimes the words seemed crammed in to make a point or more plainly to force an emotional moment, however,that does not take away the fact that it's a good story,and the acting. while not perfect, is damn good. Ellen page is a tour de force and Kate Mara plays a difficult role with ease and charm. Even without the whole lesbian element this is a good film just on the merits of the acting and story. Yes I would define this as an "indie" film, but don't let that keep you from watching, it's a damn good indie film.

The Death Penalty issue is secondary to the developing relationship between Ellen Page and Kate Mara. I liked the slow evolution of their feelings. Like any relationship there are no absolutes, rarely "happy-ever-afters." Nicely done.

Like I said it was absolutely fantastic. Ellen Page and Kate Mara.... perfect casting.

Note: The two actors are actually close real life friends which made the dynamics between the two actors, especially as lovers, exciting to watch and all the more beautiful. 10/10 all around.

Regards, DynamicDannyl

This movie might not be in the level of other more prestige films about WLW relationships but it surely gets the job done.

Lucy (Elliot Page), is a young mid 20's woman currently fighting for her father's life (Elias Koteas) with her older sister, Martha (Amy Seimetz) and little brother Ben (Charlie Shotwell), arrested and facing death row, after presumably murdering their mother. As Lucy goes on as usual she meets a curious young woman named Mercy (Kate Mara), but from the other side of the tracks. The two develop an intimate relationship that will keep the two floating through this difficult period of their lives. But at what cost?

The most impressive thing about this movie is the cinematography. The beautiful country-esque landscape of the mid-west, the empty-ness surrounding it and also its roughness. It pairs really well along with the little indie tracks that appear in many of the film's scenes.

The acting is also good. It is at the same time intense but it can get dramatic pretty quickly. Not melodramatic per say but dramatic in a serious with extremely high stakes kind of dramatic.

Page is known for his dramatic acts and interpretations of women in distress and difficult situations. Once again he does this here again: Lucy is one of those characters that has a complicated life, having to put up with a lot, both from her inner family life and from the world. His bottled up emotions emerge in one scene and he literally explodes on camera, letting his audience know of the ordeal he's been going through. His co-star Mara is there. To comfort and support him. They exchange their interactions really well and play with each other. A lot.

Lucy is undergoing a big change: Having to accept that things might not be as black and white as they seem and that it might be time to finally move on and accept that the one person that entered your life out of the blue might be as complicated as you but in the end all they want to also do is also move on and be with you.

The relationship between the two women starts and ends pretty abruptly. The director wanted its audience know how something can start and end without much explanation. Sometimes, life and complications tend to end things. But bad memories and emotions fade after a while and only the good things are left to cherish.

The chemistry between Page and Mara is good. The two actors know their craft and are both well-known for tackling difficult characters. They take their scenes calmly and go all in, with little to much awkwardness, especially during the intimate scenes. They seem extremely comfortable with each other and that might be because they're friends in real life and had presumably been in a relationship during the filming of this movie.

All in all, this film might not be revolutionary and very deep but it tackles the possibility of change and acceptance and the will to move forward and try to be, someone, with someone else.

It gives you small look at two sides of Issues that doesn't stop the lead actresses form crossing and learning more about each other. Showing that knowledge of someones stance doesn't allow them not to be loved. It takes thing further than all most any other show better display of actual life!

This film is rich and complex. The script is fine. The dialogue is succinct and nuanced, as are the performances of Ellen Paige and Kate Mara. Both do a terrific job. It's wonderful to see a lesbian love story that does not end in tragedy. And, to see these two actresses producing a film. Hope to see more from them.

This is a great movie and history with amazing actresses. Kate and Ellen did a really well done job and At the end I just wanted more, because time went by so fast and I was enjoying so much. Disclaimer Kate Mara stole my heart.