The Diary of Preston Plummer

Preston Plummer (Trevor Morgan) is graduating from university with the feeling of never really having loved anything. At a party he meets a girl who wants him to drive her home. Not just college home, but home, home – in another state. She needs to go home and he needs an adventure which he never got to experience. "The Diary of Preston Plummer" is about the long journey home — physically, emotionally and spiritually.

It's a large scope story told in a small way with some of the best writing I could ever imagine. Kate (the girl) doesn't understand the universe because of her family's troubled past and she doesn't know how to make things just work out. Preston does understand the universe, in a physics scholar kind of way. He studies entropy and although he doesn't understand what has happened in Kate's past, he wants to use his dark and dismal explanation of the expansion of the universe and actually help her. As he falls in love with her, he finds a non-genius, personal way of helping her.

The reasons this is such a great film is because it's not nearly as obtuse as my previous paragraph might make it out to be. The plot can be explained any number of ways. It's a romantic drama where both boy and girl need to overcome their troubled past to fully love themselves and each other. The film is also told as a simple mystery. As has been greatly hinted to, something is not quite right with Kate's family. Preston takes it upon himself to figure out what they think occurred and what actually occurred. That certainly is interesting in and of itself, but I was riveted from the very beginning based on the character of Preston Plummer alone.

He's a genius, but he doesn't see himself as one. He was lonely in school but doesn't realize that he was until he starts discovering what love is. His childhood wasn't perfect, but he doesn't let that define him. I connected with him as soon as his many characteristics were revealed, I fell in love with him, and I wanted to go on this "adventure" with him. I use the term "adventure" loosely since this is not how Hollywood defines it. It's a slowly engrossing, lonely journey to a simple love story.

Trevor Morgan as Preston Plummer was perfect. He's a realistic kind of character, but completely lovable, endearing and sympathetic from the start. I wasn't as sold on Kate, she was sort of this mystery person to me, but that also could have just been jealousy. The romance element was enveloping; more realistic and down-to-Earth than any romantic dramas I have seen. But it's not just a romantic drama, it's a heartfelt character study, a mysterious journey, and an explanation of the Universe's tendency to make life fall apart. "The Diary of Preston Plummer" is nearing perfection.

The Diary of Preston Plummer was set on an island of great scenery and filled with the beauty of nature, gradually inserting elements of crime into what starts as a drama or romance.

Preston has just graduated high school, and meets Kate in a party. He takes her home and she asks for a favor - to drive her back home where her parents' hotel are - which he accepts. The true greatness of the countryside sets in, and at the same time we learn about Kate's family and her grandpa. Grandpa meets Preston, talks without making much sense, fills the conversation with seemingly inexplicable riddles and a plethora of unanswered questions. The story begins as develop, as both the romance and the secrets in this family are revealed. Preston becomes determined to look for the truth, and things come to a conclusion as the matters are settled.

This is an above average drama and delivers viewers a satisfying experience throughout. It is a love story, but one that has deeper layers, one that digs deeper into family secrets, which soon incorporate into the romantic relationship going on between the two young lovers. It is engaging enough to keep the audience attentive and entertained for a relatively short span of 80 minutes. But it is effective in bringing about its messages about greed and family relationships. On top of that, it is an unusual love story set in a different environment, which is refreshing with comforting music and the bless of nature.

Excellent story - genuine characters; the somewhat gritty film and sound quality is totally understandable considering that the movie was created for about the price of a Tesla electric sports car. The writer, director, producer showed up after the opening in his scrubs fresh from his day job as an MD in the Burlington Vermont Hospital. Great guy - you want to take him home and make dinner for him.

We had read a very negative review of the movie that almost scared us away. There is a sincerity about the script and acting that is rare in the typical, slick Hollywood productions. See the movie, tell your friends!

An Excellent film! The Diary of Preston Plummer is very thoughtful and engaging movie that allows the viewer to enter into the complicated worlds of its characters. The movie drew me into that world from its opening scene and I found myself more and more curious about their lives as the movie progressed. Ultimately there is a parallel with the journey of discovery and decision that the chief characters encounter with the journey that we all take in our lives. How do we reconcile our past? Do we take the chances that the moment presents to us? Do we follow our rational or emotional side? Can time answer many questions that our intellect flounders at? These themes are raised with an elegant plot and translated with superb acting. Dr. Ackerman's (the director) cinematography is exquisite with an eye for framing scenes and long-shots that bears some comparison to Terrence Malick's works. Dr. Ackerman has a keen eye for observation and sense of feeling, and although he does a phenomenal job of capturing and conveying the subtle transition of land, ocean and sky in the outdoor shots of the marshes, shores, clouds and Sunsets of Florida (I honestly felt I was watching an episode of the BBC's Planet Earth), what is more exquisite is that these scenes speak a narrative of beauty that gives voice and credence to one of the character's visions of this land. In an age where an average indie movies cost millions, it is true genius to make this movie on a budget of (merely) $125,000. Bravo to Dr. Ackerman for his vision and for his artistic integrity. I look forward to his next film.

I'm still wondering how a movie that is seemingly small in scope, with a slow measured cadence could have been so exciting. Not exciting in the traditional blockbuster way, but with a tension filled plot that defies your assumptions of what will happen next, right up until the end. The acting is well done and the characters grow on you. As the movie progresses their welfare drives your interest in the plot.

See this on the large screen if you can, to fully experience the feeling of solitude throughout the movie, in the landscape, the individuals and the relationships. With" less money than most movies spend on food", Sean Ackerman has made a film with as much value as anything you might see this season.