You Can Live Forever

The Truth: I read a review asserting the storyline was implausible but rented it anyway. I've seen quite a few uninspiring LGBTQ+ films and series but You Can Live Forever was far from implausible and uninspiring as I instantly connected to the characters of Jaime and Marike. I too lived a similar story decades ago while in Catholic school and was very much like Jaime -- glasses, Walkman, Converse and all. Bigoted religious institutions, confusion, self-hatred. . . Can tear apart the deepest of connections; nonetheless, I'm now cognizant that everything that transpired was for my betterment -- meant to serve me not hurt me. I walked away from that life and will never go back; I learned it's never too late for a new start.

Anwen O'Driscoll and June Laporte's performances were captivatingly vulnerable and authentic; I was completely bewitched and felt like a butterfly on the wall. From the breathtaking film score by CFCF; cake and basement scenes with Hasani Freeman; to the card, car, and bedroom scenes, I was transfixed -- spellbound.

I remember when my writing teacher advised me to write for me and not the reader; she wanted me to disarm -- to take off my mask -- to let go and tell my truth unfiltered -- unveiled. This unveiling was most evident in June Laporte's extra-ordinary performance; it is clear, especially for us sensitive folks, that they surrendered and delivered all of themselves to this role and it was mesmerizing and at times profoundly heart-wrenching. In my opinion, June Laporte is not only a co-lead but the driving force propelling this understated, beautiful, and unforgettable film to iconic LGBTQ+ film status. June Laporte reminds me of Julie Christie in Dr. Zhivago and Jane Seymour in Somewhere in Time. So well done YCLF! Thank you for telling this too often untold story. You are deserving of every praise and accolade. PS: I bought the film.

The Canadian film You Can Live Forever was co-written and co-directed directed by Sarah Watts and Mark Slutsky.

Anwen O'Driscoll portrays Jaime, a teenager who is sent to live with her aunt after her father's death. Her aunt and uncle are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Jaime develops a romantic relationship with Marike (June Laporte). Marike is also part of the Jehovah's Witness community. It's not a community that accepts lesbian love, and the path forward isn't easy.

This is an extraordinary film. The acting is excellent and the plot is believable. The movie has a very strong IMDb rating of 7.5. I thought that it was even better than that, and rated it 9.

We saw this movie as part of Rochester's outstanding ImageOut LGBTQ film festival.

Damn, what a great film. From the undeniable chemistry between the two leads, fantastic score, amazing cinematography and a script that a lot of queer people can definitely relate it's no doubt that this movie deserves to go places and I can't wait to watch it again once it hits streaming.

I didn't know what the movie was about beforehand, thought it'd be a forgettable teen romcom. You might connect more deeply if you're Jehovah's Witness or lesbian audiences, but even if you aren't, you can find familiarities with pretty much any religious community, and a good love story is a good love story, regardless. It does have its fair share of cheesiness and cliches, like the classic meet-cute, locking eyes across a crowded room, albeit set in a church. But who doesn't appreciate a bit of cheesy romance? The story is quite compelling, and the characters share a genuine connection and chemistry.

The beauty and heartbreak in Marike's face, as she navigated love, pain, and unwavering faith, were truly moving. Jaime's struggle as a non-believer and a lesbian in a close-knit Jehovah's Witness community. This film was a quiet and compassionate portrayal, it's relatively short, yet it took its time to build the romantic interest. It might not be best selling point for Jehovah's Witness, but I loved how Marike held onto her faith, especially the line, "I can believe enough for the both of us," which captured her emotional dilemma of choosing between her so unwavering faith and her forbidden first love.

I love that there isn't a clear antagonist among the main characters. It's clear that their situation couldn't lead to a happy ending: if they had run away, Marike would have felt the loss of leaving her faith behind, and if they had stayed, their pretense would have taken an emotional toll, as you can't keep up a charade 'cause you can't be sneaky links with the love of your life forever lol. It was what it was, and I believe it was written and told in a believable and unpretentious manner, allowing you to empathize with the characters' choices and the challenges they faced in their environment.

While it may not be a mind-blowing masterpiece, could see why some might not like it, but it made me feel mushy inside and left a lasting impact for me. June Laporte and Anwen O'Driscoll portrayed their characters exceptionally well. Also loved the title's meaning. This movie felt like a little quiet hidden gem, perhaps better off unnoticed by the masses.

This movie will twist at your heart and take you through an emotional rollercoaster. I keep thinking about the deep scenes. I wish I could watch it for the first time again. Anwen, the lead actress, made me fall in love with her character. The music went extremely well with each scene and the shots that were taken were absolutely stunning and make me want to go to the sites. This is a coming of age movie that will break your heart and make you so happy all at the same time. It really makes you think of the important things in life and how twisted something can be. I have watched this movie too many times, it has become my favorite. I only wish there was going to be a sequel!