Move Me No Mountain

I've never seen an independent movie set in Las Vegas. What we think of Las Vegas is upended in this empathetic and moving film about one woman's journey from personal tragedy to becoming houseless.

The locations are really impressive and add a lot of character to the story. The cinematography is equally impressive and brings the characters, story, and emotional arc to life.

The story jumps back and forth in time which was confusing at first but then really started to work for me.

Performances are decent overall and the lead actor settles into the role as the film progresses. There are some really nice moments overall.

At times melancholic and other times surreal, this is a solid movie that shines a light on how some may become houseless. It's a sad story but I'm glad there was a happy ending full of hope.

Move Me No Mountain is a completely unique and original movie. A realtor wrestles with the guilt over her daughter's death and falls into a downward spiral in Las Vegas. The film focuses on themes of loss, depression, fear, and survival. The acting was excellent throughout, including some really memorable performances by a couple of the minor characters. Personally, I really enjoy movies that are character studies and this one is fascinating. I think the thing that impressed me the most though, was the direction by Deborah Richards. I really liked the shot composition and the camera angles throughout the entire film. The images felt very fresh and cinematic. I think that for a film which is a character study...to also have shots that are so cinematic, is exceedingly rare, and deserves recognition. Give this movie a watch!

Writer and director Deborah Richards has created an interesting character in Jenna Anderson, played by Cat Lellie. The story is an interesting tale of a woman who chooses to be unhoused. Jenna's overwhelming grief leads her to leave her home and job as she is no longer able to stand living inside. She crosses paths with many likable and unlikable characters who teach her important lessons about how to survive in her chosen lifestyle.

Lellie is able to hold her own as the lead, with many scenes that depend on her acting skill to explore the circumstances the character is placed. She is a strong female lead who carries this movie.

Richards previews enough of the story in the beginning to pique the viewer's interest and curiosity. While the sorry is somewhat predictable, there is a positive feel and a good message.

As an independent film, Richards was able to use her skills behind the camera to make scenes work to make the story believable.

This is a story about Jenna, a successful mom and real estate agent whose life is turned upside down by a tragic incident. Basically, we watch in relatable horror as she spirals out of control and into the underbelly homeless world of Las Vegas. Many scenes are gritty, stark and most importantly, and painfully, very real. At times, you feel so bad it becomes hard to watch, but like Jenna, there is something deep inside that keeps her living and you watching. I think deep inside, just about everyone has a kindle of love waiting to ignite. Some have a raging fire, others soaked in shame and barely surviving. Jenna teaches us to protect that kindle with our lives and never give up. Great story with a great message.

Heartfelt and stylish exploration of a guilt-stricken mother, Jenna. The film's juxtaposition of her prior posh realtor existence and her current state of homelessness, is quite powerful. The desolate outskirts of Las Vegas is the perfect setting for conveying our protagonist's emotional landscape.

Nice, and unconventional framing of the city make for a unique story. Effective editing and music choices further enhance the film's impact. The second act has a few slow, awkward moments, but overall the viewing experience is compelling. There is also a great exchange between Jenna and some of her former real estate clients. Recommended!