Friends, Foes & Fireworks

Sarah Portelli and Ivan Malekin co-direct the inspired "Friends, Foes & Fireworks," an entrancing drama that shrewdly leverages naturalistic acting and framed-but-often-improvised dialogue to drive its compelling story.

Come the end of the year, Fiona Day (Lara Deam) gets a medical diagnosis that stops her in her tracks. Self-ostracized by resulting anxiety, she reengages by hosting a New Year's Eve party with gal pals. Whatever Fiona's expectations were going into it, they're soon shattered, as unresolved tensions explode up through the fault lines. New Year's Eve is a cornerstone time for self-reflection, and each of these women have now given each other plenty to reflect about.

Aptly-named, "Friends, Foes & Fireworks" is a great ensemble piece driven by consistent performances from Deam, Genya Mik, Jess Riley, Whitney Duff, Asleen Mauthoor, and Daniel Hill. It's a credit to its filmmakers that we feel like we're the proverbial fly on the wall; a collective hidden camera eavesdropping on the party's slowly ratcheting dynamics. The film's great storytelling and conspicuous actor chemistry will command your attention throughout. - Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!

This was a nice movie that looked at the bonds of friendships, and also had some funny moments in it that prevented it from getting too heavy. I enjoyed watching it, and liked seeing how the social dynamics played out between the friends.

So, I guess this film was shot in one day? As a Fimmaker myself, that is pretty incredible. Not to mention that the film actually came out pretty well done. I gotta say that's pretty impressive. The performances and relationships between the characters were pretty well done and overall I really enjoyed this film. Thanks!

Didn't know if I would enjoy watchinga non horror based film, but I was pleasantly surprised. Well written story about a group of friends who deal with, love, sorrow, and complex situations. Nice job

If you're a fan of Richard Linklater's early works, especially his "Before..." Trilogy, you'll more than likely love this movie. It's small and intimate, and it's nice to see a movie about regular people at a moment when we have so many superhero films being made - definitely worth a watch, especially because it doesn't overstay its welcome.