Love All You Have Left

This indie film is really compelling and heart wrenching. The script is fantastic and the directing is great, especially for a first timer! A truly poignant and topical film.

I was really taken aback with this one. I love David Lynch and this film has elements similar to his films. Mostly the supernatural, 'other-worldly' nature of that kind of film. The lead's performance was incredibly strong and I commend her for handling such a challenging role with grace and honesty. The score is worth noting and I felt mostly that this small indie completely tackled an incredibly difficult subject with originality, suspense and good writing. Without spoiling it, I'll just say, I was riveted and the ending does not disappoint! Highly recommend!

How is it possible to have reviews for exactly the same film that put it on top and at the same time in the sub-basement of any kind of interest???

...Maybe it's not such a mysterious thing.

To untie the dilemma, I propose this: after seeing the trailer for the film, it seemed to me a product so amateur and ridiculous that I have no intention of seeing this movie at all... Why don't you do this simple exercise yourself?

At the outset, "Love All You Have Left" resembles a number of familiar stories (namely "Rabbit Hole") that depict a couple grappling with the recent death of their child and for a moment, it seems as if it will follow the same (albeit moving and tragic) plot we've seen before. However, Matt Sivertson's film ultimately subverts expectation and instead incorporates a supernatural (though not eerie) element, similar in vibe to the recent "A Ghost Story", that is quite welcome and full of intrigue. This twist coupled with some nice and very intentional framing creates a unique lens through which to examine the crushing pain a parent faces when their child leaves this world too soon. An intimate piece worth learning from.

Every time we sit down to watch a film, we always hope for one that will "stay with you". This touching modern take on the Anne Frank story does just that. It's a haunting tale full of unexpected turns and an ending that had us arguing for hours. Recommended.