Remy & Arletta

Indeed, there are moments in Remy & Arletta that are downright uncomfortable to watch, as the characters, mainly Remy, navigates a world that often feels hostile and unforgiving. But it's precisely this discomfort that makes the film so powerful-it refuses to sugarcoat the harsh realities of growing up in an abusive household. It instead opts for a brutally honest portrayal that demands attention and reflection. And yet, amidst the darkness, there are moments of genuine tenderness and hope. The bond between Remy and Arletta serves as a beacon of light in an otherwise bleak landscape, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

Remy, played with raw vulnerability by Micaela Wittman, is a Jehovah's Witness grappling with the weight of familial expectations and the desire for personal freedom.

Her portrayal is hauntingly authentic, capturing the internal conflict and external pressures she faces with poignant sincerity.

Opposite her is Arletta, portrayed with equal parts charm and depth by Riley Quinn Scott,, a young woman from a privileged background masking her own insecurities beneath a facade of confidence. The dynamic between the two leads is electric, their chemistry so real as they navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship.

What sets 'Remy & Arletta' apart is its unflinching exploration of the dark undercurrents beneath the surface of teenage life. From Remy's tumultuous home life to Arletta's hidden struggles with her sexuality, the film doesn't shy away from the messy realities of growing up.

This is SO MUCH more relatable than i want to admit! The emotions in this film feel raw and real, some subplots feel unresolved, like what happens with the mom, but there's something undeniable about it. The friendship between Remy and Arletta feels undeniably authentic, their chemistry on-screen palpable. Set against the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, it does well at capturing the essence of growing pains and the importance of friendship in navigating life's challenges. It's messy and imperfect, but so is growing up. I hope this cast works together again, i think they all did a great job.

Director De Larroche's decision to eschew Hollywood conventions pays off in spades, allowing the film to focus on what truly matters: the characters and their journey. Every frame feels intimate and personal, drawing viewers into the world of Remy and Arletta and immersing them in their struggles and triumphs. Sure, Remy & Arletta may not have the slick production values of its big-budget counterparts, but what it lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in heart. This is storytelling in its purest form-unfiltered, uncompromising, and undeniably powerful. In an industry often dominated by spectacle and excess, this film serves as a reminder of the power of simplicity. It proves that you don't need a big budget to tell a compelling story or to touch the hearts of audiences around the world.

I am a big fan of the filmmaking duo, Micaela Wittman and Arthur de Larroche. I loved their last movie, Clairevoyant, a comedy mockumentary, very different from Remy & Arletta. This movie is a coming of age drama about two teen girls and their budding relationship, alongside Remy's turbulent family life. Her mom is abusive and an alcoholic/drug addict. It's not an upbeat story, but it's very well acted and entertaining. It kind of feels like a memory of what it's like to be that age and have your best friend be your whole entire world. If you like independent films, or dramas, or relatable true to life stories, definitely give Remy & Arletta a watch. Micaela and Arthur have a big future ahead of them.