Becks

If you're in search of a genuine feeling (not kitschy or exploitative) LGBTQ+ movie, Becks really hits the mark. Poor Becks moves across the country for her girlfriend, only to find her in bed with another woman. Down on her luck and broken-hearted, she moves back in with her devout Catholic mom, and the tension is felt immediately (though subtle at first). She's disapproving but loving, and tries to encourage Becks where she can. The casting is great, with Tony award winner and Grammy-nominated Lena Hall as Becks, supported by Christine Lahti (Blacklist) and Mena Suvari (American Beauty), amongst others. With interesting pacing, from quick tidbits packed with information to slow building scenes ripe with expectancy, as well as note-worthy lighting effects that highlight important scenes/cues, Becks rounds out its attributes. Already boasting the US Fiction Award from the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Emerging Director Award from the St. Louis International Film Festival, Becks is racking in recognition from fans of all kinds. Oh, and did I mention the killer original soundtrack? "Lesbian folk rock" maximizes the authenticity and charisma of the film, breathing in life even when no on-screen words are uttered. This is a must-see for all fans of indie cinema.

One of the best LGBT movies of the year, Becks jumps right into the action with a montage of the titular Becks moving across the country to be with her girlfriend, only to walk in on her with another woman. Devastated and broke, she is forced to move back in with her Catholic mother in St. Louis. The pacing can be a bit messy at times, and it's not an uplifting story, but it's a heartfelt movie with some jaw-dropping performances, particularly from Lena Hall. The dialogue is realistically witty and the musical interludes are beautiful, reminiscent of Eddie Vedder's work on Into the Wild but woven into the story seamlessly. This is a movie that will resonate with anyone who's felt the pain of hitting rock bottom.

Based on real life Allysa Robbins, a lesbian NYC folk singer. The lead actor here has every bit as good a voice as well and the acoustic take on Robbins original songs is easier to listen to. Christine Lahti is good as the unapproving Mom and the story just seems like "a week in the life". The ending isn't as good as we expected but it tells the story. Overall, a nice little movie for a rainy afternoon

These are quite good times for LGBT films. 2017 saw a lot of solid releases and Becks can be easily counted amongst them. It is a simple, honest story that deals with sometimes complicated feelings of love, confussion, heartbreak and being stuck in life. The characters and situations all feel real and authentic so you do care about them and wonder how it is all going to end for them. Do not be worried by the sudden drop of rating on this site. It is currently at 5.7 and definitely deserves more, plus, the rating is much higher on most other film sites. The performances are really nice as well and another thing that especially stands out are the heartfelt, good music performances by Lena Hall. Kudos to the songwriters. Becks will appeal to everyone who enjoy small character driven indie films that deal with real feelings and real-life situations.

The performances, the songs, the story are all just really great. This is a total indie gem! Definitely a fun movie to watch with friends or family, and I hope young people can see it.