Curse of the Sunset Starlet

'Curse of the Sunset Starlet' brings a crafted tale into the intimate confines of a broken home.

The audience finds itself drawn into the dappled, scintillating light that stems from both diligently inventive artwork and the beams that first-class actors shine as they probe carefully through the shards of fractured relationships.

It is worth watching a few times to truly unpack all that is exactly happening. The surface story reveals more depth and details, and the work that Director Lori Precious and the actors and casting put into this well-written story reveal more and more, like a gem turned under a jeweler's lamp.

Believable, lovable and finely portrayed characters intertwine with magical realism at its best!

When panning for gold, the miner starts with a mix of material and sloshes it around in such a way that the important stuff remains in the pan. And while each viewer of this piece will find some "important stuff" remaining in their pan, each will likely pocket different treasures. For me, the incidental hobby of the central character was the axis around which the story turned. For some, surely the relationships between her and family will gravitate to the center of their pan. Others may find their nuggets in the story of the aging film queen.

The script treads the line between drama and melodrama adroitly; not indulgent and not aloof. It is a sweet reminder that behind the doors of ordinary folk, there are rich stories, not so epic yet much deserving of our attention. Magic happens most often in small ways. This is a view into the nooks of ordinary life where magic makes regular appearances.

This film truly has something for everyone! Writer/Director Lori Precious has created a sparkling gem with "Curse of the Sunset Starlet". Mega-brilliant Sally Kirkland shines in every scene she's in. Everyone in the cast does remarkable jobs of showing one family's intergenerational conflicts with heart and compassion. The script is extremely moving, packing in so many complex themes about life, death, love, fame, aging, forgiveness, and the tender complexity of immediate family relationships. Screenwriters Lori Precious and Steve Erickson keep the plot cooking along with intelligence and humor. This short film packs a ton of transformational power. Highest recommendation!

This is a gorgeous film.

The love for Los Angeles and Old Hollywood is evinced beautifully, the butterfly motif and starlet portraits are truly amazing -- unlike anything I've seen before.

The facial expressions in the mother and daughter are tender and complex; casting was perfect. Each woman has a strong and distinct presence. They complement the other well. The children are fantastic in their roles and ground the film nicely.

I enjoyed the music selections, as well as the references to old films.

Lori Precious has artfully transformed a lovely story into a visual stunner. I'm a fan.

Poetic and moving short that deals with the return of a family nightmare. This has the delicacy of The Glass Menagerie and a sense of fantasy that carries wisdom and truth inside. In this short film, the Sunset Starlit is brought to life through the use of radiant butterfly imagery. The horrors of family life are convincing, so are the terrors of feeling unparented and adrift.

The film is a fantastical reenactment of a family trauma. The relations between parents and children (and grandparent and grandchildren) are evocatively explored, so the feeling of a climactic healing rings true. I loved it, especially the beautifully weird performance by the horror-movie mother who "returns from the dead." The director, Lori Precious, has a way with children -- better than that, she convinced me that her magical vision has its roots in reality. She exposes the underside of Hollywood lives and Hollywood dreams.