Isabel's Garden

You wouldn't know this movie is an indie film with a first time director because it's simply a great movie. Direction and cinematography are top notch, the story is compelling, and the entire cast brought their A-game. In fact this might be the best role I've ever seen Karen David in and that's saying something. This movie took me on the same emotional roller coaster that the characters were on. I'm rather glad that this was shown in a large movie theater because it plain deserved to be shown that way. Kit Rich went way out of her comfort zone and made one of the best films you'll see in the festival circuit.

I had the privilege of seeing Isabel's Garden at the LA Film Festival recently. My friends and I heard a lot of buzz about it and wanted to check it out. As we walked out of the theater, we all looked at each other and collectively said, "Wow." It's beautifully written, masterfully shot, and the cast is incredible together. It made me tear up, but it's also so full of hope. The buzz is well deserved and I'm not surprised it's already winning awards. A reminder of how important -- and impressive -- independent filmmaking is. I could not recommend it more. If IMDB let you give 11 stars, I'd give it 11!

What can I say about this movie? I'm not a person who cares for tears. Here, however, it's a wallop of emotion. Family. Love. Forgiveness. Reflection. Loss. I can go and on. I cheered for the protagonists. Then I cried and cried because I found myself caring for each of their journies. The director does a beautiful job of telling this story and bringing it along. I am glad I waited for parts of this story to develop. I won't go into who deals with loss and who ended up having to reflect. That's for the viewer to find out. The ending was worth it. This first time director knew her story and how to tell it.

I don't typically post reviews, but, after watching Isabel's Garden at the Los Angeles Film Festival, I had to make this my first. I was really blown away by the beautiful and complex story telling shown in the writing, directing, score...The director Kit Rich has already won awards for Best Direction for this film and you can see why. She pulled incredible performances from her cast, the cinematography of the film is epic, even the costume design is elevated. This is an important story for an important segment of women who are figuring out the day to day of blended family lives. A must see! Bravo to the filmmaker.

I had the chance to see Kit Rich's first feature film at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and I was blown away. The film is beautifully written and directed, with amazing strong female leads. Kit did an incredible job amplifying the voices of women from different backgrounds and ages. The actors were phenomenal, and the way the film portrays blended families is both refreshing and real. It's a heartwarming and inspiring story about unexpected friendships, family bonds, and the empowering choices women make to shape their own stories. While it deals with loss, it also has so much hope and joy woven in.