Reviews

Beautifully shot, well-acted, and moving, this was an uncomfortable watch, which I think was the point. Similar to Promising Young Woman, but less entertaining, this was more gripping in a realistic, heart-breaking, frustrating way that made the middle of the movie slow and hard to watch as it descended close to a kind of torture-porn. It's redeemed by the themes and thoughtfulness behind why everything's happening, but it's ultimately missing an exploration into why the main character suddenly spirals into this madness - how she goes about it is much more thought out than a crime of passion. But the performances between the two leads and their moments together in the basement were strong. I applaud the open ending because - that's life - but wanted more from how this experience changed the main character and where she was going from there. Overall, though, a strong movie from a strong and intentional writer/director.

KELLY & CAL is the kind of movie that stays with you long after you've seen it. Perfect casting of Juliette Lewis who's real-life rock 'n roll youth only strengthens the very raw, honest, and real identity crisis that comes with first-time motherhood. Unfortunately, I have lived this moment in life myself and Juliette plays it with the same "what-the-hell-just-happened" look on her face that I must have had. But Jonny Weston's performance of Cal stole the movie for me. I felt as shocked and moved by his character as Juliette Lewis's Kelly. He was charismatic and heartbreaking. This movie is so smartly written by Amy Lowe Starbin. The characters so true to their place in life. For example, Cal's cynicism might seem older than his years at times, but his youthful judgment and actions remind us he is still a teenager. The movie as a whole is a near perfect synergy of writing, directing, acting, cinematography, editing, and sound design. The side characters have depth and range that defies their limited time on screen. And while it's been a festival favorite, it is not the type of indie movie that leaves you feeling uncomfortable or weirded out, or mentally exhausted. It's the type of movie I dream of, one that reflects real life and leaves me with a bit of hope.