I don't recall the last time I witnessed so much empathy in one film, or in the performances of its actors. First-time writer/director/editor & one of the producers has made such a heartfelt and heartbreaking story of loss & grief, ultimately how the subject matter is handled is nothing short of amazing.
The main character of this piece is Genevieve, played with a most amazing performance by Mina Sundwall(above). It's quite easily one of the best performances that I have seen this year or any year prior. I think she and Jodie Comer(The Bikeriders) have two of the best performances this year.
The film opens with empty hallways and desks that have no students, this is a year after a terrible tragedy took place in this school, where several students lost their lives to school violence. The violence is not spoken of in the film, and we are not subjected to flashbacks or retelling of what took place.
Genevieve and a few of her closest friends are now on their way to graduating high school, with their futures uncertain, & the grief they are still dealing with the loss of her boyfriend Tyler.
There is a powerful scene with Genevieve & Ben(Alex R. Hibbert-above) that had me wanting to give both of these young people a big hug.
This, of course, can't be a somber film for its entire run time, there are some good things along the way and Genevieve asks for help and goes to a group session on grief and how to deal with loss. It's really hard to put into words the impact this film had on me as I watched it. It's easily one of the best of the year for me.
This won't be a movie for everyone, but if you do decide to sit and watch it, do have some tissues as I used quite a lot myself.
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