Clementine

I am a fan of slow-burns and I always seem to find good elements in almost any movie, but this film constantly felt like something was about to happen, something was going to twist or reveal itself, but it never does.

This film is honestly bizarre as it literally doesn't have an ending. The movie just ends seemingly randomly without any reveal or clearly signified conclusion. It literally feels like they forgot to add in a scene.

I enjoyed the locations and the odd character dynamics between the main characters, but I kept expecting more from Lana's character specificity. She is built up as a possible liar and complex character, but that is completely thrown out. None of the characters in this film I felt sympathetic towards and I disliked all of them. Unlikable main characters can work sometimes depending on the story you want to tell, but in this case it seems accidental.

I have no idea if the director even wanted to communicate a clear story, all I can do is make assumptions. There wasn't enough information conveyed about D., Karen's ex. All I can assume is that Karen didn't want to repeat the dynamic between her and her ex with Lana, but this really wasn't conveyed in a clear way. Actually, after the final phone call, it seems like the only true victim in this story is Lana herself, but I have no idea if that's how the director wanted the "ending" interpreted. The ending is open, but not in a good way.

Overall, this film wants to tell too much with too little.

Clementine is a slow paced film which conveys a very life like tone through a vehicle of subtle shots, the scenery and locations, the very relatable moments. Yet it only appears to work to some degree, as the audience are teased along on a ride to something dramatic or intense that never seems to come or register. The Film is relatable to everyone, however it is most relatable to those who have experienced a recent relationship breakup. Lara Gallagher builds up to something, but in the end I'm not entirely sure of what. The subliminal message is far from obvious, in fact it's more oblivious to me, my guess is it's something along the lines of 'relationships suck'!

Karen (Otmara Marrero) toys with the idea of a relationship with a younger provocative woman as opposed to the previous older partner of the same sex. Fresh off a breakup Karen breaks into her ex's lake house seeking refuge. The acting makes the film bearable in a turn of events that feel somewhat pointless. Lana (Sydney Sweeney) is perceived to be a troubled bored youth with a need for attention. Karen is fascinated by her but not entirely convinced she is trustworthy of always telling the truth. Both characters appear to be victims, possibly the strongest message of the piece is that relationships have no discrimination on sex and both men and women can be equally as difficult when strong feeling are involved. Lana stripped down to the bone in order to pursue her goals as an actress while Karen is left feeling hopeless and lost due to the impact of her relationship with D. (Sonya Walger). Promising signs from an acting point of view.

The score is the most unique or unusual considering the content, it often leads us to believe something horrific or outrageous is only a few feet away that never really comes to light. Far from a horror/thriller at times, just a reflection on reality from calm peaceful silence to on the edge tipping points, the balanced blend between the two is very close to home.

Lara Gallagher has made a worthy attempt of making her audience feel something for her characters, still, the final ingredient to the recipe is missing that spice leaving the end feeling a little flat.

Terrible, artificial and forced. Overbearing musical score is jarring

Perfectly paced, beautifully filmed and well acted suspenseful story about the complexity of women's relationships and a girl's coming of age. Hauntingly impactful original score.

Karen (Otmara Marrero) has a bad breakup with D (Sonya Walger) who changed the locks on her and even steals her dog. Karen takes off and breaks into a country house. She is befriended by neighbor teen Lana (Sydney Sweeney). Handyman Beau (Will Brittain) shows up to check on the house.

The first half has a great quiet intensity. Karen is constantly threatened with exposure which does lead to the question why. Why doesn't she simply leave? There is an answer about halfway in the movie. It's a good answer but the movie does need to find something quick to replace the tension. It's a little slow to get there but it does eventually get somewhere. The slow pacing is a double-edged sword. It's part of the movie's charms but it's also part of its problem. Filmmaker Lara Gallagher may be a name to look for in the future.