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I found this series on Tubi, where it is edited into film format, so I am not sure if anything has been altered in the process, but here is my take on what I saw...

The designers did a great job of reviving the true 90's aesthetic and vibe, but didn't stoop to overdoing it for the sake of nostalgia-gone-fantasy (I'm pretty sure I owned most of the main character's wardrobe and accessories at various points, and the set details were perfect).

The most critical thing I could say is that there were some editing issues - especially continuity between shots and some lighting issues.

Also, the acting from one of the cast members was a bit distracting but, as a whole, the cast was believable and engaging.

Some of the dialogue was a bit on the after school special side, but that was overcome by most of the cast who kept it authentic and made it sound honest.

The story was interesting and had some tantalizing mysteries which were slowly revealed as the film went along.

The issues faced by the characters, as well as the way people of various ages and backgrounds react to them was believable and realistic and, several times, I found myself reacting to their struggles as I would to a friend or relative.

This is a character study, and it does a great job of remembering to give all of the important characters time to reveal some personal details which make them more than just another person to recite dialogue.

Anyone rating this below a 7 is clearly going in expecting something that this wasn't. This isn't a multi-million dollar Netflix production based on a chart-topping, best selling novel. It is an independent work of love. Overall, I'm not holding the minor issues against the production, in view of what was clearly a limited budget. I have seen FAR worse from big budget productions. It more than kept me in my seat for the duration - it actually left me craving more (in the best kind of way, as evidenced by me posting a rare review and putting real time into it).

I want to see where things go for these characters and to see some more of the mysteries unraveled. I truly hope we get more of this, and soon!

I don't understand all of the negative reviews. The movie is exactly what it intends to be: a bleak tragecomedy (note I don't say "dark" comedy, because it is beyond that).

If you feel like the movie is dragging, maybe you should turn your brain off and go back to watching Avengers. The haters here are probably also the ones who prefer the directors cut for Donnie Darko (aka Donnie Darko for Dummies). They need everything handed to them with full explanation.

Maybe the people reviewing this don't like films that feel like real life turned up to max? But that's what it is. It shows how twisted life can be - just when one thing starts looking up, you find another three reasons why it isn't. And just when you think you know someone, you realize you don't know them at all.

The film has a perfect cast, capable direction and cinematography, a decent script, great music, and it had me engaged from the opening shot. I would like to say that it would be nice for the characters to be expanded a bit (also the runtime) because it is all worth exploring more. But, it is also to be said that the vagueness of it all was intentional for purpose of timed reveal.

I rate it a solid 7/10 (gave it a 10/10 to boost the ratings)

No ghosts. No deranged serial killers. No mutant creatures. Not even a bump in the night. And, yet, this manages to be one of the most stomach-churning, terrifying, and unsettling pieces of cinema I've seen (of thousands). Without spoiling too much, I will say that the depths of an ill or tortured mind can be bleak and disturbing!

I cannot fathom why this film has less than a 7.0 rating - perhaps due other than to the somewhat disjointed and clunky opening. Having seen only the unfortunately trimmed 95 minute version, I cannot speak for the full version. I do feel thst I am missing out on a further incredible performance and a more efficiently fleshed opening (which, if you watch closely seems to have existed before public domain tampering).

If you enjoy films/novels such as Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, this film could be for you. If those bore you, then you may be a part of the crowd who bestowed upon this film such an insultingly low score.

The film is easy to find on YouTube and various classic cinema sites, but I do hope that, one day, we will be treated to a proper restoration and dvd/bluray release - I'm looking at you, Twilight Time!