Not Waving But Drowning

I got a chance to watch this movie in one of it's promotional venues and I'm so glad I did! Not being a huge movie buff, I didn't know what to expect from seeing a film in that type of scenario. Firstly, the acting was superior to many other mainstream movies I've seen recently. In addition, the thoughtful plot provided refreshing insight into character development for this coming of age story. Never having experienced these characters' same situations, it really struck a balance for me with being novel and relatable at the same. It picks up on archetypal themes without being redundant. Plus the soundtrack is superb. If given the opportunity, I highly recommend you see this film.

Regardless of your generation or gender, there's much to appreciate in this film about two young women moving from their adolescent lives into the wider world.

"Not Waving But Drowning" is the story of Adele, who leaves for New York City, and best friend Sara, who stays behind in their Florida hometown. It could be the stuff of well-trod cliché, but it is not. There are surprising twists and discoveries in their separate journeys as they try to retain their yin/yang friendship. Megan Guinan is wonderful as a multifaceted Sara who seems stuck in place, but might not really be so stuck. And the scene when Adele arrives in the big city is poignant, yet also very funny. Adam Driver is marvelous as the seemingly dorky, yet touchingly honest, new friend of Adele.

There are so many beautiful cinematic scenes: one involves a horse on a train; another involves Sara moving through a field of dandelion puffs that is lovely by itself, and the subsequent scene that reveals why she is gathering them is heartfelt and glorious. The characters develop through multiple experiences that are sometimes uncomfortable or worse. Yet, overall there's so much energy, humor, and truth that the film feels very balanced. The editing and music are dynamic and keep the viewer highly engaged.

The producer and director intrigue us with their short intro film, "The Most Girl Part of Me." It is not directly connected to "Not Waving," but is tied thematically and is a creative addition.

I really loved this movie because it was something I could really relate to. When I was younger my best friend and I were inseparable and then went our separate ways for college. We each had our own adventures but it was not easy and something I couldn't really explain to my new friends. This movie captures the hardships of being young and on your own and how you grow along the way. With its humorous, happy, a times uneasy, and sad parts of the film it really captures how I felt and how life really is. I felt personally connected to this story and it's something I am sure others can too. On top that, the way to movie was filmed is tremendous and the sound track is top notch. I can't wait for it to come out on CD (i-tunes) so I can get it asap. You should definitely see this movie, it will make you smile.

I really really really loved this film (9.5/10!). I consider myself something of a film buff and an expert on New York (I lived in NYC from 1997-2004. Yes, during 9/11). I saw this movie in Los Angeles and was absolutely enchanted! Even though I'm a guy and the main characters are girls, I very much related to this amazingly accurate portrayal of what it's like to move to New York to "begin your life". It deals so well with the divide between what you want/expect and what the real world is actually like. The visuals are great and the many of the characters are downright hilarious! I have recommended Not Waving But Drowning to many people and they are never disappointed. I am eagerly awaiting the next film by this fabulous young writer/director Devyn Waitt!!!