The Mourning

I really liked this movie. It's an allegory for the huge topic of grieving the loss of a loved one and dealing with that loss and/or the guilt associated with that loss. I really love the use of science fiction to support the allegory. This to me is similar to the movie Colossal where science fiction is used to explore the dynamics of alcoholism. I love allegories and I love the allegorical use of science fiction to explore these important subjects. I rated this movie a 10, very moving. I guess you have to have experience with literature to appreciate it.

I set last night aside to watch this on Amazon Prime, as one of my favorite indie actresses Brooke Lewis Bellas was promoting it. All I can say is that this deserves more praise than it is getting. I watch a lot of independent films and this looks like a way higher budget with real professional actors, direction, locations, art direction, camerawork, etc. I do agree the story is a bit confusing, but the alternate universe element made sense to me by the end. As always, I love Brooke Lewis Bellas in this cute sassy role with some comedy then transitioning to moments of fear. I thought the acting was really good altogether and mentions should go to the always great Louis Mandylor and I am not familiar with the lead Michael Rene Walton, but he seems like a talent to watch for. Again, if you want a solid indie film to watch on Prime, I suggest this.

I gave this film a 3 because it looks slick, ( when the color timing is corrected ) the acting is decent ( somewhat ) and, and... and --. Well, that's about it. Perhaps the writer(s) director, or someone, anyone, might post a thought on what the hayseed this film is about. Who cares about the ending. Obviously the film makers didn't.

I was ( somewhat ) intrigued for the first ten or fifteen minutes then started talking to the screen to relieve frustration. Stuff like, "Ah, that's one spicy'a meatball!" And, "Mind if I smoke? I don't care if you burn! FIRE! FIRE IN THE THEATER!!" And then I woke up and realized it was all just a bad dream.

Now there's your ending, fellas! A bad dream! Just have Aaron wake up and reveal it was all just a bad dream! But just then, the CAMERA PULLS BACK and WE SEE Aaron, lying naked, back in the forest! Was it just a dream or...? PAN OVER to Rod Serling, standing stoic by a tall evergreen taking a drag off his Lucky Strike cigarette and...

ROD SERLING

Allow me if you will...

Slow as molasses, confusing, and nothing but loose ends at the end. You feel like you've been cheated after watching it. Pass on this one folks.

One of those Sci Fi films where the script writers weave a obscure mysterious tale and can't think of an ending. Incidentally, I'm going off American films on account of all the women are never plain and normal. They all seem like skinny anorexic long haired clones. This destroys realism and is very fattist Including the occasional typical woman in the street would greatly make films more real.