86 Melrose Avenue

Loved the story ... it brings forward cultural differences and real case scenarios that could happen to anyone of us ... I enjoyed it !!!

Now hostage situations have long been a staple of the crime and thriller genres, which makes it somewhat hard to infuse new life into a pretty much standard situation - but 86 Melrose Avenue does pretty well at that, as it focuses not just on the central conflict on hand but pulls back to paint a bigger picture, one that involves the fates of several of the hostages in relation to the perpetrator, and even the art exhibited at the gallery mirrors the goings-on in a way, making this more than just your standard thriller but also some sort of social commentary - which is only augmented in the post-finale interviews that really give the thing substance. And thanks to a relatable cast and a subtle directorial effort, this has become a very compelling and pretty unusual movie.

Action, suspense, and drama in this captivating character-driven film, where various individuals are confronted with the same dire situation, forcing each to grapple with the imminence of death, the frailty of life, and the haunting echoes of their traumatic pasts.

Each character's unique journey reveals the profound impact of their experiences, shaping who they are and how they navigate the unfolding crisis. The film boasts exceptional performances from a talented cast, each actor breathing life into their complex roles.

The beautifully crafted script and masterful direction are complemented by stunning cinematography, creating a visually and emotionally immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

86 Melrose Avenue is an accurate portrayal of what it is like in living with PTSD as cross culturalism all comes to ahead at an art gallery in Los Angeles.

The store is quite human especially when Avi (Gregory Zarian) and Nadia (Anastsia Antonia) pasts cross paths while held at gun point due to a former military person who still has not faced his demons from his time at war overseas.

Anyone that has suffered trauma will be deeply engulfed in the story and anyone looking to understand PTSD from a human standpoint will finally have an idea of the internal suffering so any people go through on a daily basis.

In this spectacular, emotional spin on a heist film, we are able to see a rare ensemble film that exposes the lives and interconnectedness of all characters involved. In a time of such great divide it it exposes how very necessary it is for viewers to nurture their empathy and recognize that everyone has a story that brings them to the present moment. Masterfully shot and brilliantly executed, director Lili Matta gives viewers something that is both entertaining and introspective. There were a few cliches that detracted from spectacular flow of the film but overall it was extremely well done. Great filmmaking. Important message.