Escaping Freedom

I don't know what movie all these ten star reviewers were watching, but it wasn't the same one I saw. I don't know that I have EVER seen a gay movie longer than two hours, but this was not the one that needed to break that barrier. All those overlaid dream shots could definitely have been cut. Nothing really happens in the movie until the last half hour. I know that some movies like to marinate in the emotions of the main characters instead of having lots of plot, but let's save that approach for the pros. They could have cut plenty of BS from the sister's screen time, had less "atmospheric" scenes, and amped up the role of the associate pastor character. In fact the story didn't even get interesting till the last few moments of the film... the story could have gone in a very interesting direction after that point so too bad it wasn't the halfway point of the runtime... oh well.

The brother and sister have very good believable chemistry and their scenes together are so raw and felt so real. I would easily watch the two leads in other movies. The dream sequences seem like fluff pieces... i wasnt big on them and i feel like they could of been changed to something else to show the brother and sisters inner turmoil. I have never seen a movie where the sister character is so comfortable being naked about her brother... he is comfortable with her in those scenes too and i think the movie has those scenes to show the vulnerability of her especially and he is comforting to her in those scenes.

This movie is necessary for everyone. It's honest and takes a lot of deep issues that most of us face in life so seriously that I ended it discovering so many things about relationships with myself and others just because of the way this narrative was built. It's so intense and real, life in its pure nature. It's not about just entertainment but a real empathetic film to show that we're all humans trying to figure out our own desires and dreams. Visually, it brings more intensity with different perspectives in shooting, making it a piece of art like the most famous Europeans movies I've ever seen.

I highly recommend this epic and thought-provoking story about estranged siblings that happens to take place in Portland, OR where I live.! The brother and sister happen to reunite as adults, each at pinnacle moments in their journeys of self-discovery working through issues of sexuality, identity, ethics, substance use, and so much more. From the surface, it seems like their paths and struggles are completely opposing--but, really there is more similarity than they are both willing to admit.

This movie had me thinking about my own vision of what it means to be "free", successful, or happy. It had me questioning the ways in which I might not be honest with myself in the pursuit of those ideals.

Kinda heavy 🙂, but it also had some really sweet moments of humor and the acting and synergy between the siblings is fabulous!

A really thought provoking movie that takes its time letting you delve into the psyche of these characters. Shame is a really terrible thing that keeps us from loving ourselves. Also, one of the most beautiful gay love scenes I've ever seen. Very much recommend. Really reminded me of European arthouse flicks a lot.