Monsoon

If only this had continued to be the gorgeous film this started out as. But alas. After the eleven minute mark, it went steeply downhill.

The biggest problem is that they made girl #1 (stunningly beautiful, talented, incandescent Katherine Hughes) TOO gorgeous and perfect, with the pair having TOO much natural chemistry. How could anyone else EVER measure up?

Enter girl #2, "Caitlyn" - dumber than a box of hair, not even cute (though she sure thinks she is), and one of the most irritating characters of all time. In order for the premise of the film to work at all, girl #1 needed to be less ideal, and/or girl #2 needed to be less terrible. It just doesn't work, as is. It would have benefitted from a whole lot more Katherine Hughes.

Though I suppose it makes sense, for a film about grief, that I should have spent the whole thing grieving for the wonderful film that could have been.

The cinematography, songs, and score were lovely, at least.

Shout out for cinematography and location scouts because this is a gorgeous looking film. There are some really nice shots, great colors and great locations. The story about grief and letting go maybe isn't new but is timeless even though sometimes it could have been a bit more dramatic and sad because there is supposed to be so much pain. The more problematic part is Austin Lyon. He is really trying but in some scenes he is just way in over his head. But he is young so he will learn and improve. Katherine Hughes on the other does a great job. Liked her in "Say you will" and men "women and children". She is got a bright future ahead. This is the first time I saw Yvette Monreal and she was really good too. She has something very natural in her performance. This is a fine movie with some very talented actors.

Every once in a while, I get to be amazed by raw and touching stories like Miguel Duran's Monsoon. Movies like these are often the result of the close knit relationships and camaraderie of the cast behind the scenes that even reveals on camera. I believe works like these deserve much bigger platforms and broader audiences. It's one of those works of art that stays with you for long after you watch them. I hope it doesn't go unnoticed. Better than average acting and coherent storyline. Definitely recommended.

Monsoon is beautiful because of its storytelling, great visuals and style, great soundtrack, and standout performances.

The relationships are beautifully captured and it captures what loss feels like.

This is a great indy film and once I've watched twice. Give it a shot and you won't be disappointed.

The other three "high" reviews are bogus. Clearly crafted by cast, crew and friends.

This has a horrible script, first time actors, and was possibly filmed with an iPhone.

Every scene has corny piano music trying to "set the mood," and create drama and substance where there is none.

Possibly one of the worst films EVER made.