Indigo Valley

Indigo Valley is living proof of the wondrously authentic art that can arise from a female-dominated cast and crew. Writer, director, and actor Jaclyn Bethany continues to shatter the glass ceiling with each new story she tells, and in doing so, gives voice to the women artists she surrounds herself with. The haunting and classically influenced score, made in collaboration between Jaclyn, Dalal Bruchmann and Maesa Pullman, tells musically the tale of a complex sisterhood, in a way that feels like a story in and of itself. That this film, its genre, and its characters do not fit a mold is a tribute to arthouse and a breath of fresh air from the so often one-dimensional renderings of women that male writers of Hollywood bring to the screen. Jaclyn is a force to be reckoned with, full stop.

Reminded me of the European and Scandinavian traditions linked to more avant garde filmmakers. The editing style was unorthodox and left me on edge, completely in tune with the lead character Isabella's emotions. This film deserves recognition not only for tackling an intense subject matter, but for the performances. Although they are subtle, all three performances are real and natural - truly living with the characters: John, Louise and Isabella. Rosie Day as Louise stood out as the most relatable and sympathetic character of the three, but Brandon Sklenar and Jaclyn Bethany also were amazing. Kudos to the talented and fearless Ms. Bethany for being brave enough to write, direct and act in her first feature. In the multi-hyphenate tradition of Barbara Loden and more recently, someone like Amy Seimetz - she's certainly an actor and director to watch. I enjoyed her subtle, dark, nuanced performance. I thought about this film for a week or so after watching it, so I know it's worth it.

Other reviews calling it boring must have just not gotten it... I found this a captivating film with nuanced character work. A fascinating twist at the end! I loved it, definitely worth a watch

I was 21 minutes into the movie and was wondering when something was going to happen. We have a depressed person and her sister trying to reach out to her. I feel bad knocking this woman's first effort, the acting and the filming were okay, but there really isn't much of a story. It was kind of hard to follow. There are supposed to be some kind of secrets revealed according to the synopsis, but I didn't see any.

Big careers ahead for this cast, crew, writer, and production team who make this intense drama infused with hauntingly beautiful music come to life using an aesthetic setting and powerful intimate character moments. Congrats to all involved!