The Virgin of Highland Park

The few people who have reviewed The Virgin of Highland Park seem to rate it highly. In fact, it must be one of the highest rated mediocre movies I've seen.

It creates an amazingly contrived scenario, ultimately for no purpose except to promote a pro-choice position. The way they chose to frame the subject is baffling and weird and ultimately not relevant to the main theme. How virgin pregnancy is a helpful plot device here is unclear, unless it's just misdirection to help lure viewers into something mysterious and then hit them with the real point.

Just to be clear, I'm personally pro-choice, but I'm also pro good filmmaking and this one just isn't.

The movie is all about Olivia, a 14-year-old girl whose life gets super complicated when she finds out she's pregnant, even though she's never had sex. This movie feels real because it shows exactly how tough and confusing being a teenager can be. It's like taking a hard look at the problems and weird stuff that happen when you're growing up, especially when people start talking and judging. Olivia's story is intense because she has to deal with crazy rumors and making huge decisions that even adults would find hard.

I like a lot the gal who plays Olivia; she's amazing, and the mom too. And the brother is the guy from "Modern Family" - was great seeing him here too. What's cool about this movie is that it doesn't just lay everything out easy and simple. It leaves you hanging a bit at the end, which I think is pretty neat because it gets you thinking and doesn't just hand over all the answers. It's not your usual Hollywood movie; it's got something different and feels more genuine, like it's telling a real story.

In "The Virgin of Highland Park," viewers are thrust into the turbulent world of Olivia, a teenager whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she's pregnant despite her chastity. This film stands out as a bold examination of youth, identity, and the societal pressures that shape our lives. With a storyline that is as unsettling as it is insightful, the director crafts a narrative that is both a personal and societal commentary, infused with moments of 'magic' that blur the lines between reality and perception. The film's strength lies in its ability to challenge viewers, encouraging a dialogue between science and faith, reality and mysticism. Olivia's journey from conformity to self-determination is portrayed with a delicate balance of grit and grace, making "The Virgin of Highland Park" a compelling watch that questions the norms and celebrates the power of individual choice.

Excellent performances.