Only

This is a sweet movie that grows on you as you watch it. I encouraged my friends to see it with me, and all of them enjoyed it very much as well. Its storyline is simple, but it is played out so flawlessly well that it is much better than many movies with more intricate plots. It's a thoughtful meditation on the lives of two lonely adolescents who, for a day, have the chance to experience a powerful connection between themselves and someone else, a chance, the movie makes clear, that neither of them have too often. As they traipse around the Perry Sound area, discussing everything from whether books are better than movies to their deepest fears, we have the privilege to see their friendship slowly, tentatively and very realistically develop. Watch this movie! It is an absolute treat.

The first time I saw Only, I spent hours afterwords wrapped safely in the knowledge that to be human in this world is an almost unbearably sweet and precious thing.

The second time I saw Only, I found myself having a physical reaction, feeling nervousness and excitement of a sort that I haven't had since I was as young as the leads.

I look forward to seeing the film a third time, and many times thereafter.

If you still have any room left in your heart for honesty, innocence and wonder, this is a film worth investigating. That description sounds trite and saccharine, but it's meant with unflinching honesty.

This doesn't even touch on specifics yet, but rest assured that the cinematography, acting, and soundtrack are all perfectly aligned with what I've said above, both in terms of quality and aesthetic.

There is an unwavering beauty underlying all things, and I take this film as proof.

I really loved this movie. The two main actors were amazing, especially Jacob Switzer, his style was so natural and believable. What's amazing about this film is that they made a beautiful moving story on a minimal budget, minimal cast, no lights and hand held cameras. It really captures the essence of what it's like to be 12 and the loneliness of that time of change and growth, but not only the loneliness but also the beauty of making a new friend and the slow sweet discovery that happens. The soundtrack is AMAZING and I really hope that it's available for sale at some point, so good! I also really love the use of the natural scenery in this film and the isolation of living in a tourist destination off season.

This movie took me back to my first 'almost' kiss with Toby Kiesewalter at family music camp when I was 13 and he was 11... Oh the memories...

I just saw the film ONLY in its Toronto theatrical release. Absolutely loved it. The film is gentle and loving and hopeful and magical and real. In the Q&A after the screening we learned that the film is 98% scripted and only 2% ad-lib but the actors are so natural that you really do leave the theatre feeling like you have spent the day with them. It reminds us about being 12 when we think that we are smarter than our parents but would rather roll around in fresh snow than talk about it. And that hint of a first love, when you meet someone who really gets you. The use of music is also perfect. The soundtrack is filled with Indie artists which rocks and rolls us through the film.

The film moves slowly, leaving the audience to wonder. Rich, beautiful, tender and distinctly Canadian.

Had the pleasure of watching the film at the Okanagan International Film Festival, walking out of the theatre I began a conversation with a man who did not speak English very well. He said he had never seen movies like the ones being shown (The Baby Formula, Only) that night. He continued to try to find a way to explain how he felt towards these Independent Canadian films, saying they could not be easily categorized. "Ultra-realism" was what he said finally, asking me if these words made sense. I assured him that they did and for Only, it was a perfect description.