13 Miles

Numerous attempts at watching smaller budget movies over the years, which I do to support first large scale productions for certain writers/producers, most commonly wind up in flames at the 20 minute mark.

13 Miles turned out to be a very different experience.

This is an engaging and relatable story line that wasn't overacted. Regardless of whether it was very good actors, solid directing, or all of the above, I was able to watch the story rather than watch people acting out a story. Some beautiful cinematography. High quality film editing.

Although perhaps the first project of this magnitude for the writers/directors, their experience is evident in that 13 Miles was definitely created and executed by a very talented and seasoned team of filmmakers in Anthony Epp and Helena Thom. I am looking forward to their next venture.

I really enjoyed the internal conflict story line between the two main characters. Everyone has internal demons that they are fighting with...some known to others, and some not. I enjoyed how each main character came to understand their internal demons, and those they were projecting on those around them, in order to come to peace with who they are and where they are. They are both very relatable for the struggles they face, and desires they have. Be it to be the best, to be loved, to be apart of something bigger. As you watch this movie, you can't help but to think about the bigger things in your own life.

I originally selected this film to watch because I have honestly never watched a film about triathlon and thought it could be an interesting Friday night watch.

I was wrong.

Yes, this film has many scenes at races and has the characters training, etc., but triathlon is really a backdrop for what this film really is about. What is this film actually about? To me, this film is more about relationships. Relationships between people, relationships with the sport, and relationships with themselves.

This film begins with ends and heartbreaks - an end to a heartbreaking career, an end to romantic relationship that leaves the female lead in heartbreak, and an internal heartbreak with what the female lead, Cora, and the male lead, Trevor, is forced to face. All these things, many people have faced, in one form or another.

This film is also about beginnings. Both leads are now forced to head down similar but different paths. New romantic relationships, new personal challenges, and facing a familiar sport that feels incredibly different now that they are different people themselves.

I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would. What Cora was feeling, facing, and challenging herself with, was very real to me. She's right. Why DOES everything HAVE to make sense. When you're just trying to keep your head above water, you grab onto what helps you focus on surviving. For her, in this moment, it was triathlon. For me, it was cycling. Her description about triathlon giving her the freedom to let go and be free was on point. Even now, on days that are particularly stressful, riding my bike and feeling the wind against my face really can't be beat. It IS freedom. Nothing else matters.

I chose this film for triathlon, but the realism and emotions behind the characters are what made me stay. Yes, this is a lower than Hallmark budgeted film. It does not have all the glitz and glamour of the perfect pictures Julia Roberts or Sandra Bollack and the like are typically in, but I am glad I came across this film. It wasn't what I expected - it was more.

A great Friday night watch!!