Move Me No Mountain

The opening alone is enough to hook you. Some really stunning imagery, especially for an indie film. The story is told very well and doesn't pull punches on the emotional trauma of such an event that the main characters Jenna, endures. I enjoyed the gritty feel of the film and the way in which the filmmaker decided to tell the story. The use of drone shots and gimbals always helps to elevate an independent film, so I appreciated them incorporating those to help show the scale of Vegas but how small Jenna feels within it and within her emotions. Really enjoyed this. I highly recommend giving this a watch.

This is a story about Jenna, a successful mom and real estate agent whose life is turned upside down by a tragic incident. Basically, we watch in relatable horror as she spirals out of control and into the underbelly homeless world of Las Vegas. Many scenes are gritty, stark and most importantly, and painfully, very real. At times, you feel so bad it becomes hard to watch, but like Jenna, there is something deep inside that keeps her living and you watching. I think deep inside, just about everyone has a kindle of love waiting to ignite. Some have a raging fire, others soaked in shame and barely surviving. Jenna teaches us to protect that kindle with our lives and never give up. Great story with a great message.

Following Jenna, the lead character after her daughter's accidental death it is pretty easy to root for and develop empathy for her journey into homelessness. I found Jenna's character very believable having worked around homeless ministries in the past and her gradual descent isn't overall graphic or overtly trying to showcase every single trait or obstacle that homeless people (or "street friends" as we know them) face on a daily basis.

A few background characters could have done with less wooden performances but otherwise the cast were solid and engaging throughout the film. Pacing was good and it didn't seem to drop any of its rhythm despite jumping back and forth between the pre-Jenna story and the homeless Jenna.

The cinematography is with out a doubt a high point with good artistic choices in locations, lighting and colour, and while there is a fair amount of narration from Jenna, its hard to be distracted by any of it.

Overall 'Move Me No Mountain" is a very engaging film, which compelled me to want to see both a redemptive ending for Jenna as a character and a climax to the overall story. Definitely worth watching.

Move Me No Mountain is a completely unique and original movie. A realtor wrestles with the guilt over her daughter's death and falls into a downward spiral in Las Vegas. The film focuses on themes of loss, depression, fear, and survival. The acting was excellent throughout, including some really memorable performances by a couple of the minor characters. Personally, I really enjoy movies that are character studies and this one is fascinating. I think the thing that impressed me the most though, was the direction by Deborah Richards. I really liked the shot composition and the camera angles throughout the entire film. The images felt very fresh and cinematic. I think that for a film which is a character study...to also have shots that are so cinematic, is exceedingly rare, and deserves recognition. Give this movie a watch!

Writer and director Deborah Richards has created an interesting character in Jenna Anderson, played by Cat Lellie. The story is an interesting tale of a woman who chooses to be unhoused. Jenna's overwhelming grief leads her to leave her home and job as she is no longer able to stand living inside. She crosses paths with many likable and unlikable characters who teach her important lessons about how to survive in her chosen lifestyle.

Lellie is able to hold her own as the lead, with many scenes that depend on her acting skill to explore the circumstances the character is placed. She is a strong female lead who carries this movie.

Richards previews enough of the story in the beginning to pique the viewer's interest and curiosity. While the sorry is somewhat predictable, there is a positive feel and a good message.

As an independent film, Richards was able to use her skills behind the camera to make scenes work to make the story believable.