Butterfly

Have you ever seen a movie that from start to finish in every way was done for the right reasons? Butterfly is that movie. The writing, directing, acting - all of it done without ego or self importance. The story is deeply felt, kind and thrilling all without being exploitative and without sparing the harsh realities that women like Butterly face every day. The characters that inhabit her world are rich, surprising and true. The performances are sincere and no-holds-barred. The writing is cavernous and winding with a finale that could sit right alongside the best works of other directors like Sean Baker or Craig Brewer. The directing isn't flashy or braggadocios. It exists to present these people and their environment as layered and soulful. This is the best kind of independent film. A breath of fresh air in 2024's cinematic landscape.

Emy Jay's 'Butterfly' is a poignant drama that lingers in your mind long after the screen fades to black. The film delves into the heart-wrenching narrative of a young woman grappling with the harsh realities of poverty, homelessness, and the relentless pursuit of employment, all while navigating the tumultuous terrain of motherhood and her unwavering determination to regain custody of her son. 'Butterfly' is an emotional rollercoaster, with powerful scenes that tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impact. The film's soundtrack adds depth to the storytelling, featuring memorable musical pieces that resonate with the audience. Additionally, the cinematography is striking, capturing the essence of the diverse and captivating locations that serve as the backdrop for the protagonist's journey through the city. Emy Jay's 'Butterfly' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of redemption. A must-watch for any cinephile.

This indie crime drama about a young mother trying to hold her life together and regain custody of her son is gritty, true to life and beautiful. Melanie Elise is the lead as Butterfly, a young homeless mother navigating poverty, unemployment and crime after losing her son Milo. The filmmakers did a nice job of showing the gritty, seedy, not so pretty side of life in a way that studio filmmakers just don't do these days. The locations also play a big role in this movie and really help to give it that gritty yet beautiful look. I really like some of the choices and use of lighting. Hats off to everyone involved.

Butterfly, which follows a young woman as she works to overcome poverty and homelessness so that she can regain custody of her son, is a film with an interesting and in-depth story. The writing has a lot of layers to it and there are many strong characters that add to the whole thing. The colors and lighting were really well done and helped enhance the story. They did some really cool stuff with lighting and contrast as well! I also appreciated the costumes throughout. The movie tackles some bold and timely subjects which is important for independent films to do. Glad they went for a new angle here!

This is a very dramatic urban story. There are many facets to the writing of the story and the characters. I like that they identified issues of homelessness and the struggles that people in unusual circumstances face. Sometimes you have to claw at the water of life to keep your head up. The use of color and camera in the film is also refreshing. It lends a feel and tone to the drama. The locations also develop the film as a thematic focal point. The locations help create a sense of movement as we progress throughout the story. This movie looks at some largely unseen aspects of society. An interesting piece of movie making!