Scrap

I haven't spoken to my sibling in years, and watching *Scrap* felt like getting punched in the gut-equal parts guilt and love. The portrayal of Beth and Ben's relationship was so real it made me squirm. Their conversations, filled with awkward pauses, tension, and unspoken pain, mirrored the complicated history I have with my own sibling. It was like I was intruding on something deeply personal, something that wasn't meant to be seen by others. There weren't dramatic reconciliations or emotional speeches-just the small, quiet struggle to reconnect. And that's what made it powerful. It reminded me that sometimes showing up, even when it's hard, is the bravest thing you can do. Watching them try, fail, and still sit in the discomfort felt like a message meant for me. It left me wondering if it's time to try too, even if I don't know what I'd say.

Hard to believe this is the debut feature for writer, director, and actor Vivian Kerr and her producing partner, Rachel Stander. A beautifully told story of personal struggles and confronting the painful curveballs that life can throw at us. The portrait of Beth initially avoiding, but ultimately acknowledging the reality of her situation and accepting the help of those closest to her to overcome her setbacks was extremely realistic and relatable. The entire cast was fantastic. And the music - just wow! What an unexpected treat and such a critical underlying element to the family's story. All the elements of a great film delivered as close to perfection as one could hope for. Just like Beth's preparations for her new home with Birdy.

This film was heartbreakingly beautiful. It simultaneously hurt and healed all the way up to the end. The writing, actors, cinematography, editing, and music were all excellent (the choice of music almost felt like a character of its own). These characters were written and portrayed in a way that felt very authentic. My favorite relationship explored was Beth and Stacy's. Their differences and similarities complemented each other gorgeously. You can tell there is a level of respect between the two, yet they have this complicated sister-in-law relationship. It felt extremely honest, and I found myself not taking either side; I simply rooted for them to come to some kind of understanding. All of the relationships were believable, but their's stuck out to me the most. I was also captivated by each character's vulnerabilities and strength. My first biggest takeaway from watching this film was the reminder that no matter how different our lives and personalities are, we are all connected in this human experience. My second biggest takeaway was that it's okay to rely on others to help get ourselves back on our feet... and to have the road eventually rise up to meet you.

(The ending scene was masterful. Ben's nod told more than any line could've.)

I loved the chemistry between all the actors. You could really witness a journey happening on the short span of the movie. At the beginning everything felt really tense, because there was lots of pretending and secret keeping. But during the course of action the relationships bloomed, we had beautiful character developments, accompanied by wonderful music and a soft lighting, which made everything look even more natural. Because it truly was a story grabbed from real life. What happened to Beth (Vivian Kerr) could've happen to anyone of us if we're unlucky enough. Sometimes I wished the movie would've explained a few things a little more, instead it left a lot to the watchers interpretation. But I guess that's also intended, since everyone can make out their own ending that way.

Scrap is a film that patiently and wisely allows us to make our own judgments on its flawed main character. With this impressive and maturely constructed first feature, Vivian Kerr has announced herself as a major presence in American indie film. Her acting is exceptional and her chemistry with Anthony Rapp as brother Ben is real and poignant.

The final scene is tremendous. The violins swell and you think it's going to be a full on "movie moment" and then...it's not a "moment" at all. The film is like, NOPE, here's just a look, and the smallest nod that tells you everything. It really got me. Spent the end credits wiping away my tears. So lovely.