Open

The film captivates from the outset, striking a perfect balance between light-hearted fun and meaningful narrative. Its unique charm lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from joy to poignant reflection.

The music in Open is a standout feature. Not only does the soundtrack perfectly complement the film's tone, but the music videos are also a visual treat, adding an extra layer of creativity and engagement. These elements work harmoniously to enhance the storytelling, making the movie a memorable experience.

Lindsay Anne Williams and Jeremy London shine in their roles, bringing authenticity and depth to their characters. Their performances are a testament to their talent, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact.

Miles Doleac's direction deserves special mention. His vision for Open is evident in every scene, showcasing his skill as a filmmaker. The way he blends different elements - from music to narrative - is nothing short of remarkable. It's a testament to his ability to create a film that's not just entertaining but also resonant.

It's a brilliant showcase of talent, both in front of and behind the camera. The urge to seek out its soundtrack immediately after watching is a sign of its lasting impact and the strong impression it leaves. Congratulations to Miles Doleac and his team for crafting a film that stands out in today's cinematic landscape.

Early on in this film, lead character, Kristina (the wonderful Lindsay Anne Williams) muses about what it means to be normal. It's a question that the film forces audiences to wrestle with throughout as director Doleac and his team fully embrace the weird, bold, outside-the-box, at times, positively wild, both from a story and style perspective. And it totally works because everyone is committed to it fully, especially the game cast, all of whom deliver top-tier performances, with Williams and Jeremy London, as ex-TV icon Erik, whose "star has dimmed" considerably, delivering particularly compelling work. But Doleac as husband, Robert and Elena Sanchez, Emma have great scenes together and excellent chemistry and Yohance Myles shows up late as Erik's agent and nearly steals the show.

Doleac's casting game is strong here, even William Forsythe, as a crusty, wise-cracking police captain (and Emma's dad) is in on the fun. And, yes, it's a musical! But not that kinda musical. The MTV-style music videos that populate the narrative represent Kristina's inner monologue as she struggles to navigate a personal tragedy, unfulfilled childhood dreams, a struggling marriage, a decision to "open" said marriage in hopes of saving it, and her new relationship with Erik, which turns out to complicated. The songs are tongue-in-cheek (but thoroughly catchy, enjoyable, and, on occasion, riotously funny) and the videos embrace that trend of the 80's where every video seems to have been shot in a nebulous void space with lots of fog, the occasional actor in an animal costume and cheesy effects.

The fictional band is made up of the people in Kristina's real life, including Erik, Robert, Emma and more ... now clad in copious make-up, wigs, and lots of 80's-inspired vinyl, leather and such. Yes, OPEN is anything but "normal" in cinematic terms and that's what makes it absolutely worth a watch.

I didn't know what to expect when I saw the trailer, but this is beyond anything I imagined. Truly, one of the most original films I've seen in a long time. I was thoroughly entertained. It's also funny and thought-provoking with a cast that's superb from top to bottom and an infectious soundtrack of songs. Fun spying William Forsythe in there as the wily police captain clearly having a blast. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. A testament to creative storytelling and the power of independent artistry. Congratulations to the entire team behind this film; here's to the recognition and success it richly deserves!

Open, directed by Miles Doleac in 2023, weaves an intriguing tale of a woman in a failing marriage who finds herself drawn to a former teen heartthrob, fallen from the spotlight. The film stands out with its imaginative use of hallucinations, where the protagonist envisions herself as the leader of an 80's New Wave Band. These sequences are not only visually captivating but also symbolize her escape from reality and her journey towards empowerment.

Doleac's direction skillfully balances the fantastical elements with the emotional struggles of the characters. The performances are compelling, with the actors bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Their exploration of love, self-discovery, and redemption is both sincere and poignant. The film's visual flair, particularly in the band sequences, is a vibrant homage to the 80's, complemented by a carefully chosen soundtrack that enhances the storytelling.

In conclusion, Open is a unique and engaging film that combines drama, romance, and a nostalgic musical backdrop. It impressively blends imaginative storytelling with strong performances, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. This film is not just about entertainment; it's an invitation to reflect on self-discovery and the timeless influence of music.

I love movies where you have no idea where the plot is going. Jeremy London is on fire in the role as a former teen heart throb who stumbles into an open marriage and gets a little too involved. The dialogue gets better and better with every scene and all the acting is outstanding. Drop in some hallucinogenic music videos and it's a wild ride. You wouldn't think having the main characters reenact the emotions of the movie in '80s style video clips would work but oddly it does.

Miles Doleac has made quite a few movies and none is like the last -- this one makes me wonder where he partner Lindsay Williams are going next.