More Beautiful for Having Been Broken

The push and the pull in this story had me riding all the emotion. At the first moment, the intrigue caught me and I was all in. From epically sweeping cinematography, to vignettes that give space permitting the viewer to catch their breath and allow moments to sink in, I loved the dance. The threads of honest, unabashed sense from such an innocent young soul and the unsettling, painful moments that rip from a character's past crystallize an impactful poignancy the creators gently weave for the viewers to discover. This movie portrays resilience, compassion and a universal drive to love in a touching, warm plea to the viewer. The end credits show how personal a work this is for Nicole Conn. Like a gift, she shows us a bare, intimate revelation normally reserved to only a precious trusted few. It is Magnificent. The cast =>amazing.

Had the privilege of attending the screening of this film at the Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival with Nicole in attendance, Q&A afterwards. This is not a typical Nicole Conn film although the story hits you like a bolt of lightning. A special needs young chap who views the world through his own lense brings all the charters together. Incorporating dance in the coming together of the two main characters was hypnotic. This film is not just directed at a lesbian audience but anyone over 15 years of age who has a soul and understanding of connecting with fellow humans regardless of their circumstances.

This movie, perhaps is one of my all time favorites. In touches on so many different issues, in such an eye opening way. It's contents will open up, and steal a piece of your heart. The actors are perfectly casted for the roles they play. Cale Ferrin (Freddy), if you don't know of him...after this film, you will never forget him. He is fabulous! Zoe Ventoura (McKenzie), plays a broken women who escapes to a picturesque town to regroup after losing her mother. In this town she meets Freddy who is a precocious young special needs boy. He can't be ignored no matter how hard McKenzie tries. She finds love and strength never really knowing it was possible. Kayla Radimski (Samantha), is the mother of Freddy, she has all she can handle with the care of her special needs son (Freddy). She comes off as hard and rigid, however...you see a much softer side of her portrayed, in her beautiful visionary dance. Harley Jane Kozak (Vivienne) is the owner of the ranch, she also has many secrets hidden of her past. This movie unfolds in unexpected ways capturing your heart and attention along the way. A must see!!!

Another Nicole Conn triumph. Beautifully filmed and the cast are outstanding. Cale Ferrin as Freddie is brilliantly funny and an inspiration to us all. The two leads Samantha and McKenzie are totally convincing and their scenes together are so well done. The dance sequences are possibly a little long but nontheless beautiful to watch. There are lots of amusing parts in the film as well as some sad ones. Have now watched it several times and continue to love it.

So many of the permutations of love explored: mother & child, mother/daughter, daughter/father, man & woman, woman & woman. Kayla Radomski's dance choreography and execution of that choreography is technically expert and emotionally resonant. Cale Ferrin gives a remarkable performance as Freddie as he overcomes the resistance of these two alienated and injured women and brings them all together as a family. The climax of the film is a tad too melodramatic and overacted. Some scenes seem off tonally and several subplots distract from the central storyline. On repeated viewings these problems become more apparent.