This movie has a wonderful, if sometimes simplistic, story, that is well worth seeing on the big screen. Tyrell Oberle shines as young Kai, a high school student, immersing himself in the life and wonder of nature, but struggling to manage daily life in a world that doesn't understand him and dealing with his mother's trial with cancer. The reality of his presence on the screen, draws the viewer in, though he barely speaks throughout the film.
The cinematography is gorgeous, from shots of the mountainous countryside to careful scenes of animals, to dramatic shots of all the characters. The score is beautiful, at times haunting and at times earthy and lighthearted,.
There were a few issues that may distract the casual viewer, including sound issues: sometimes the music, though lovely, was overpowering, and sometimes there were audio glitches that sounded like an editor did the best they could with inferior material. A couple of special effects looked amateurish and quickly reminded me that I was watching a low-budget local indie film. A few of the acting performances missed the mark, but there were several who stood out as remarkable talents, including James Morris as Mr. Browning, Kim Stone as Wendy, and Lauren Holdt as Aspen, among others.
What really drives the heart of this story is the central message that what we put out in the world matters. People in pain, spread that pain to others, or as the saying goes, "Hurt people hurt people." On the flip side, the love we give makes a real difference. It comes across simply and clearly--the pain is heart-wrenching, and the kindness is exhilarating. This alone gives the film amazing power and makes it well worth the watch. As someone who has gotten tired of big blockbuster action movies dominating the big screen, it was a real treat watching an independent film with soul, with a real message to send, and made with an artistry and vision that seems to be sorely lacking in the film corporatocracy. Go see this film.
