Frances Ferguson

I've always imagined that I could be a writer. I know I can't write. But if I could be a writer I would write a short story that starts with a word and by the end of the story the definition of the word has been changed. Better yet I'd be a poet writing a poem accomplishing a similar transformation.

Frances Ferguson accomplishes this transformation. This is not a comedy it is a heavy lift by people who can do comedy but choose to lift something that otherwise stinks. Sex offense. For the film epicurean this is no problem. ( As long as it want't written by a priest or a convicted sex offender seeking vindication.)

Don't let your spouse (or friends) catch you watching Frances Ferguson or you're gonna have a look on your face like George Costanza being caught eating a chocolate eclair out of the kitchen trash can at your friends party. 5 stars for script writing balls. A movie gem that makes the continuing hunt worthwhile. If I didn't do my homework and I'm wrong about the intent of the writer, I've been had. After all the only skill needed to write a movie review is the ability to hit keys on a keyboard.

It might not be everyone's cup of tea but this kind of comedy works perfectly for me. The nihilistic behaviour of the main character Frances Ferguson is a delight to watch. Very good job from Kaley Wheless playing this attractive sex offender. The subject might be controversial but to be honest I think most of the males fantasized about their sexy teacher at one point. That said the story is what it is, to me it was funny, and adding Nick Offerman as the narrator for this movie is probably the best move you could do. He has that kind of soothing voice that is very pleasant to listen to. I'm a big fan of Nick Offerman since watching Parks and Recreation, and even if you don't see him physically in this movie he still has that funny input just with his voice. Frances Ferguson is a simple but effective comedy.

I got to watch this movie last year in Italy at a small film festival in Torino. It's nice to see Amazon supporting this kind of work. I think this kind of movie needs to be seen with an audience, but still held up watching it the second time from home. Nick Offerman tends to make me laugh.

Hats off to this team who was unafraid to explore some hard topics, then to not back away from the controversy that has found its way into the media in the past couple of years. With an incredibly sharp script, an amazing lead performance, and lots of familiar faces (and voices) popping up throughout, it's a fun ride and always keeps you thinking about the way we and the people around us carry public perception.

I'm not familiar with the director or writer, but I hope to see a great deal more of lead actress Kaley Wheless in the future. Her facial expressions speak volumes, and she manages to telegraph a whole attitude with one angry, simmering glance. Her character is nihilistic and beyond caring. I feel like there could definitely be a backstory, but then it's already clear where her life had gone. How she decides to deal with it is what the film is about. Funny, and certainly worth a watch.