One Take

With a cast of largely unknown actors and scenic upstate New York locations, this gem of a flick is as far from Hollywood as you can get -- in every sense. An intriguing storyline, with road-flick elements, and heartfelt performances by an appealing and capable cast serve as a welcome (and always-needed) reminder that a low-budget film with heart can work cinematic magic of a special kind. This story, of someone searching for a love inexplicably lost, will resonate with anyone who has looked back on such loss. In our current time, when cinematic portrayal of male attitudes toward women often amounts to no more than stereotyping, ONE TAKE gives us a refreshing and sensitive portrayal of a man who values and respects this gift of love and, for the sake of his absent lover, embarks on a journey to make sense of that relationship and, ultimately, his life.

The first act frustrates the viewers to let them get into the feelings that Kevin is going through. However, if you stick with it, things slowly begin to fall into place.

A refreshing and new approach to an old theme. Fine performances from the cast make this a film worth adding to any collection.