O Jardim de Isabel

This movie warmed my heart. I didn't expect to tear up throughout it, or laugh out loud, or leave feeling a bubbling of hope for humanity, but I did. This is a beautifully written and directed film, with fantastic acting. It's a touching and spirit-lifting story about unlikely friendships and family, and the choices we make as women to take ownership of our own narrative. I was shocked to learn that this is the director and writer Kit Rich's first feature film, which made it even more impressive and made me enjoy it even more. I look forward to seeing what comes next from her (hopefully something soon!)

I wasn't expecting it but two tears rolled down my cheek toward the end of the movie. There were a couple of scenes that were just so real and raw that I had to write this review. It's rare to get that in cinema anymore. I really appreciate the cast in this movie and the deep dive into how relationships can help you heal and get through hard times. Somehow this film also touches upon female relationships in revealing how competition doesn't serve women. Each character meant something in this film and had a unique connection and storyline with the main characters. I found that kind of writing impressive.

What can I say about this movie? I'm not a person who cares for tears. Here, however, it's a wallop of emotion. Family. Love. Forgiveness. Reflection. Loss. I can go and on. I cheered for the protagonists. Then I cried and cried because I found myself caring for each of their journies. The director does a beautiful job of telling this story and bringing it along. I am glad I waited for parts of this story to develop. I won't go into who deals with loss and who ended up having to reflect. That's for the viewer to find out. The ending was worth it. This first time director knew her story and how to tell it.

I had the chance to see Kit Rich's first feature film at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and I was blown away. The film is beautifully written and directed, with amazing strong female leads. Kit did an incredible job amplifying the voices of women from different backgrounds and ages. The actors were phenomenal, and the way the film portrays blended families is both refreshing and real. It's a heartwarming and inspiring story about unexpected friendships, family bonds, and the empowering choices women make to shape their own stories. While it deals with loss, it also has so much hope and joy woven in.

I don't typically post reviews, but, after watching Isabel's Garden at the Los Angeles Film Festival, I had to make this my first. I was really blown away by the beautiful and complex story telling shown in the writing, directing, score...The director Kit Rich has already won awards for Best Direction for this film and you can see why. She pulled incredible performances from her cast, the cinematography of the film is epic, even the costume design is elevated. This is an important story for an important segment of women who are figuring out the day to day of blended family lives. A must see! Bravo to the filmmaker.