Alex/October

Alex/October is an emotional drama inflected with genuine comedy exchanges, set in a bleak Chicago winter. This indie gem was the equal of a major studio release.

It is the story of two misfits at stages of crisis in their lives. Alex is a self-destructive recovering alcoholic on the precipice of slipping back because of a family tragedy that cannot be put right. And October is in the throes of a quarterlife impasse having been pushed to the brink because of a history of parental neglect.

The stunner in this film: the depth of the on-screen performances.

Brad Hunt (Alex) recalled for me Casey Affleck's Oscar winning turn In Manchester by the Sea. He brings to this story - in an wholly original way - the heartbreak of a father who suffers in his inability to reverse his personal history. Both heart breaking and yet thrilling to witness as his life falls apart, Alex struggles to keep his family together. And we empathize with that. Brad Hunt connected with every parent's unspoken fear of failing his children. Stunning. His counterpart October, actress Tara Shayne, is a young woman that crashes into his life in what seems at first a perverse prank but becomes a heartfelt connection. She helps him find his way with a sly chemistry in intuitive moments of connection that creates a bond between them and propels the narrative. Together, the platonic relationship they illuminate onscreen is rare and true. And as we come to understand - desperately necessary for their survival. Credit producer Lisa Freberg and director Josh Hope for sterling choices in bringing this story to an audience. In a theatre or at home on a streaming platform, I hope the public at large will be able to discover this special film someday soon.

• Frank Tammariello.

Two complex characters demonstrate through colliding worlds that struggles can bring people together from all walks of life. In despair, unexpected connections can come, throwing a life line. Humans are hard wired to fight to survive. A moving story that inspires hope.

Beautifully filmed and well crafted, the dramatic story keeps you engaged from start to finish. Brad Hunt and Tara Shayne give powerful performances as the film takes you into worlds that are both exciting and suspenseful. Josh Hopes directing is superb as he weaves these two complex characters lives into a surprising and hopeful ending--- or is this just the beginning?

Loved this complex film! The characters grapple with deep emotions as their tales unfold. The histories that emerge from the main characters are haunting. Chicago natives will especially appreciate the beautifully shot scenes that capture the city. Locals will notice great captures from throughout the city and its neighborhoods. Great acting and editing. Difficult stories are told with compassion and depth. The characters feel and look like real people with real struggles. It will resonate with anyone who has looked for connection and meaning after facing a challenging time. Independent film at its finest!

Most peoples' lives are fairly humdrum and full of bad and the two main characters Alex (a 40 something alcoholic, divorced with a dull job) and a October (20 something, reckless, unambitious floater in Chicago) meet up when she answers an ad he places online. But wait, it's not a dating app. Far from it.

It's well acted, the character's home lives are explored, their demons are on display, they are both troubled people but they do have some common ground.

This is a movie about despair and finding love in a time when many people feel worthless and see no hope and future in their lives from different generations. What is interesting is that I believe that Josh Hope did a movie short back in 2010 with different actors also named 'Alex/Hope' it would be interesting to view that sometime to see what he had sketched out back then. But anyways this movie comes recommended, I miss the days of the late 1990s and early 2000s with even the big studios such as 'Fox Searchlight' doing 'Indie' type 'human interest' movies like this. Mainstream big Hollywood productions are just unwatchable as far as I'm concerned these days, this is where it's really at.