Violet

Some of the reviews here I've read don't make a lot of sense to me. I thought every component of the film worked perfectly. Although I think the situation portrayed is definitely relatable to a lot of women, and the aspects of self-doubt / self-criticism are likely much more deeply ingrained for women in our present society, I could easily relate to this as a male. A lot of us (women and men) have been raised to be people-pleasers and put other people's interests and feelings ahead of our own. I can easily relate to hearing the voice and seeing the internal thoughts and stopping myself from doing the things that would more likely than not make me happier. And it made sense for the voice to be a male because regardless of who may have been the influence on you when you were young, the voice of society telling us to keep things under wraps is most definitely patriarchal. I have friends who I see doing the exact same thing in their day-to-day lives to whom I plan to recommend this film. Overall, I think this film was very empowering and important in that a lot of people can hopefully learn something from it. And if you walked away thinking this movie was pointless or that it was just a "Hallmark romance," maybe you're one of those people who so often takes advantage of people like Violet in this world.

I went into this movie knowing very little about it. That being said this was NOT a movie for me or one I myself would choose to see. By minute 24 of this movie I was already wondering why I had even started watching this. Poor Violet was all I kept thinking. I thought the lead was incredible and I loved her acting in this movie. It felt like the movie just stopped at the end and nothing was really explained or resolved. It was like you had a front row seat into someone's mind but the outcome left you unsatisfied. Maybe this is someone else's cup of tea, just not mine.

I liked it. Initially I was put off by the large script writing on the screen. I think it could have been less intrusive on the frame. Nevertheless, I did like the character, her inner doubts and insecurities, her need to conform to fit in, her internal struggles with both herself and those around her. Her overall anxiety at the workplace and in her personal life. Not feeling good enough or worthy enough. I could very much identify with her even though I am a male. These anxieties and challenges happen to both genders. I deal with anxieties and OCD all my life too so I could see myself in this character. I especially loved our she overcame it. Especially with the death of her mother and the family dynamics. I had a very similar experience with an older brother. The way she responded to that event gave me personal solace that I did the right thing in my own life.

This is the first film I've seen that has shown so clearly, the mental anguish of anxiety condition & post childhood abuse and/or neglect. Did a great job of showing visually how that feels & how it affects daily life - so well done! Good tips to deal with and/or overcome it too, thank you.

The script and the artistic vision for how to present this story, both the responsibility of Justine Bateman, were brilliant. Acting by Olivia Munn was perfect. Supporting cast more than adequate. Pacing is strong, selection of locations easily makes up for low set decoration budget. Story packs an emotional wallop without losing a sense of irony and humor. Left me feeling I'd rather see ten movies like this than one 200 million dollar CGI-filled action epic. Well done all around.