The Light of the Moon

The timing of this film couldn't be better. It is a much watch for anyone who was the victim of a sexual assault or knows someone who is. You will learn so much about the physical and emotional damage it does. Director/writer Jessica Thompson has brought it, and Stephanie Beatriz gives an Oscar-worthy performance!

This felt more like an after school special in some ways than a movie. The acting was horrible or maybe it was the dialogue or maybe it was both. It does treat the topic in a way that I haven't seen in other movies.

This was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. Had no real expectations going into it, and was pretty floored by how authentic the whole film is. The film deals with a very common, painful scenario and it's one of the best films I have seen to deal with it in such a genuine, realistic way. The writing and dialogue is incredibly natural, and the film is helped by having two very strong, raw performances at its core. I had only seen Stephanie Beatriz in the always great, always consistent show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and here she gives a powerhouse of a dramatic performance. She's heartbreaking. Also powerful is Michael Stahl-David, who's equally as great at Beatriz in perfectly delivering the material in such an honest way. I strongly recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it. Strong writing and acting make this a must-see.

This is the most accurate depiction of the complex and confusing aftermath a rape survivor endures.

This is a very moving film about a woman who survives a sexual assault, but almost doesn't survive the emotional aftermath when she chooses to keep silent about the experience. Before you worry that it is a "feel bad" movie, I assure you it is anything but. This is a drama, but the lead actress Stephanie Beatriz brings her comedic charm into the role, making her character that much more appealing. Truthfully, Stephanie Beatriz is so incredible in this film, I just don't know who else could've made the writing and her character pop the same way she did. This is a film about relationships, about the reality of sexual assault, about living in New York City, and about one woman's attempt to cope. I highly recommend it!