minstermaniac

For a low-zero budget film, this is really quite good. The actor playing Al does well to walk the line of likeable and frustrating at the same time. You feel sympathy at several points (hilarious date with drunken Tinder girl, money issues, car trouble etc), but also great annoyance at one person's lack of organisation (failing at a relatively simple job, financial budgeting, immature).

The young actor playing Carl is sometimes seen almost reading his lines off screen, but the heartwarming theme of the movie and the acknowledgement of practically no funding tends to override such issues.

Overall, an enjoyable movie on what must have been a shoestring budget. Also some decent laughs scattered in there. Al's costume for the fancy dress party is definitely one!

I went in with zero expectations and found this movie to be surprisingly impactful.

The actors were very well cast, and each portrays their character with quality. Katherine Isabelle plays the unpredictable, traumatised Simone with the genuine feel of lurching from one extreme to the next in search of something to take her away from her own memories. Hazel Doupe is an excellent stand offish, quiet kid, and is able to say much with visual cues, in comparison to the rants and outbursts of her co-star.

Of particular note is the character Justin, played by Dermot Ward, who seems to have a sincere desire to help. His interactions and attempts to assist Simone in opening up seem heartfelt and genuine. I'm surprised I've not seen more of this actor.

I was impressed with this movie overall. The house seemed dark and cold. The relationships between Simone and the Kid seem strained, whilst between Simone and Justin it seems awkward and frustrating. The Director definitely did well to convey the mistrust and fear of intimacy.

I would definitely recommend this movie.