Scrap

I loved the chemistry between all the actors. You could really witness a journey happening on the short span of the movie. At the beginning everything felt really tense, because there was lots of pretending and secret keeping. But during the course of action the relationships bloomed, we had beautiful character developments, accompanied by wonderful music and a soft lighting, which made everything look even more natural. Because it truly was a story grabbed from real life. What happened to Beth (Vivian Kerr) could've happen to anyone of us if we're unlucky enough. Sometimes I wished the movie would've explained a few things a little more, instead it left a lot to the watchers interpretation. But I guess that's also intended, since everyone can make out their own ending that way.

This film was heartbreakingly beautiful. It simultaneously hurt and healed all the way up to the end. The writing, actors, cinematography, editing, and music were all excellent (the choice of music almost felt like a character of its own). These characters were written and portrayed in a way that felt very authentic. My favorite relationship explored was Beth and Stacy's. Their differences and similarities complemented each other gorgeously. You can tell there is a level of respect between the two, yet they have this complicated sister-in-law relationship. It felt extremely honest, and I found myself not taking either side; I simply rooted for them to come to some kind of understanding. All of the relationships were believable, but their's stuck out to me the most. I was also captivated by each character's vulnerabilities and strength. My first biggest takeaway from watching this film was the reminder that no matter how different our lives and personalities are, we are all connected in this human experience. My second biggest takeaway was that it's okay to rely on others to help get ourselves back on our feet... and to have the road eventually rise up to meet you.

(The ending scene was masterful. Ben's nod told more than any line could've.)

I haven't spoken to my sibling in years, and watching *Scrap* felt like getting punched in the gut-equal parts guilt and love. The portrayal of Beth and Ben's relationship was so real it made me squirm. Their conversations, filled with awkward pauses, tension, and unspoken pain, mirrored the complicated history I have with my own sibling. It was like I was intruding on something deeply personal, something that wasn't meant to be seen by others. There weren't dramatic reconciliations or emotional speeches-just the small, quiet struggle to reconnect. And that's what made it powerful. It reminded me that sometimes showing up, even when it's hard, is the bravest thing you can do. Watching them try, fail, and still sit in the discomfort felt like a message meant for me. It left me wondering if it's time to try too, even if I don't know what I'd say.

I admire the commitment to making Beth unlikeable. Even as the film progresses and we learn about her hidden traumas, the film doesn't soften Beth's rough edges. The beauty of the film, and Kerr's performance, is we find ourselves rooting for Beth anyway. Anthony Rapp has been one of my favorites since Adventures in Babysitting, but it's been a long time since I've seen him really show what he can do in a feature. He and Kerr have a rare, special chemistry as siblings Ben and Beth. Reminded me of You Can Count on Me. Scrap is charming and sincere.

I have not emotionally recovered. I felt for all the the characters so deeply it hurt. Every aspect of this film was intimate and intentional and simply beautiful. Lana Parrilla and Anthony Rapp's chemistry was perfection. Vivian Kerr stuck the landing on all her events from the writing to acting. They knew exactly the story they were telling and how the characters belonged in their world. It was stunning. Scrap told the story of the pain and beauty of just being human. How desperately lonely and loved we are simultaneously. I can't wait for this movie to be on my shelf, in my home, waiting to be watched over and over again.