The Things We Carry

I saw this movie at the Arclight in Hollywood and was very impressed by the acting and the story/script. I was lucky enough to stay for a Q&A after the film and found out that the movie was produced by two sisters and is based on actual events. Knowing that there's truth the story adds a whole new depth to the drama, making it an inspiring tale. Without getting into the plot (the trailer is available on youtube), I'd just like to say that this is a moving film that will keep you captivated until the end. Definitely recommended! Although female driven (and not enough movies are!!), this is a movie that both genders can watch, relate to and learn from.

Intense. Real. Gripping. Relatable. Well written. Visually captivating. This is a wonderful indie flick that pulls you in and really captures the struggles of a family affected by drugs abuse. I found myself relating to its characters and their emotional battles which is always a tell tale sign of an amazing film. This movie definitely pulls on your heartstrings and you come away with the feeling that you've been let in on something very personal and also thinking about how you would feel and act if this story was actually your life. For being an independent movie, the production is really top notch and you can tell the film makers and actors put their heart and soul into bringing the story to life. Kudos and bravo to everyone involved in this movie!!!

This movie is as real as it gets for me. The lead takes us on a journey with her through memories of her mother's life/death. She reaches her breaking point toward the end of the story with the "things she was carrying" about her mother's addiction and it's impact on her and their family. During the body of the film I was stuck by her inability to be social with other people because of her inner rage. In the interaction she has with her sister during the film, we see her more human side. It really made me admire her for taking on a difficult, personal story line. She did an amazing job as well as the whole cast. This movie truly moved me. and made me think. I highly recommend it!

As a psychiatrist, so often I see patients who remain stuck in the trauma of their family. The very existence of this fascinating and moving film--made by two sisters whose mother struggled with drug addiction--demonstrates the transformative power of art. That the Lobit sisters worked together to write, produce, and have one of them star in this movie is a testament to their talent. The film stands on its own as a great story, but it was especially inspiring to see the filmmakers together answering questions after the Wisconsin Film Festival and to learn that although the film wasn't entirely autobiographical, it does in many ways represent their own triumph over hardship.

It's hard to watch a movie when you don't care much for the main character. I believe she is portrayed much too unreachable, like she's passed the "point of no return". Though I appreciate the journey written for her, the character shows not even subtle signs of a desire to grow or change. So in a sense, the film then becomes quite static and unattractive, and predictable even.

What saves the movie for me are the two main supporting characters. Catherine Kresge does an amazing job in this film. Very real, very believable performance. Her character feels human, not robotic like her sister (which unfortunately leads to a non-believable relationship between them). She will most likely be moving on to bigger and better things. Alexis Rhee gives a very dramatic performance, filled with much needed intense moments helping to "stir the soup".

I think this film would have been much better as a short. Too much "looping" going on, with no real movement of the main arc until the very end.