Escaping Freedom

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.

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.

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.

Escaping Freedom Micro Review -

Escaping Freedom is an intimate exploration of the contrasting masks people wear within society. Writer Director Edd Blott weaves an emotionally complex tale of two foster siblings (portrayed by Patrick D. Green, Kelly Godell) who reunite after a time of being estranged. Each is the others confident but also their foil as they come to terms with who they are.

Both Vincent and Krystal struggle with their self-identity and have chosen vastly different paths for their lives. The magic of Escaping Freedom is in the interwoven conflict of these two juxtaposed protagonists. Each character plays off the other's strengths and flaws towards personal discovery which feels very personal to the Director.

While Escaping Freedom deals with difficult themes, due to its wonderful rhythm to its pacing, the film feels like a brisk ninety-minute watch rather than its 2 hour and 20-minute runtime. This is because of Green and Godell's complex performances and Blott's choices. Specifically, the scenes between Vincent and Krystal just talking through their past are a standout. Escaping Freedom is a wonderful piece of artistic cinema.

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!