Paper Spiders

You are guaranteed to cry in this one, so keep tissues handy. This movie highlights and underlines the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters... but it's not only for women (the men in my fam equally enjoyed it) and that's how you know you're watching something great. There aren't many movies like this one so it is very refreshing. If you're looking for a heartwarming, powerful story you've got to see this.

'Paper Spiders' is as wonderfully-acted as it is cleverly handled. Lili Taylor and Stefania Owen are excellent in this tragic story about a girl trying to save her mentally ill mom at all costs. The dialogue is really funny at times, and also quite realistic It is relevant to show the problems that people face which aren't often discussed, and when they are in Hollywood films they are done in a more contrived way, where as Paper Spiders hits paranoia head on in a very realistic, emotional way. This is real life, and this movie proves to be a true success.

Greetings again from the darkness. There are many reasons that might force a kid to grow up too fast. But when it's in conjunction with having to care for a parent, we can consider it ill-fated. Director Inon Shampanier co-wrote the script with his wife, Natalie Shampanier, and they adeptly handle a story that, in lesser hands, could be over-wrought and not believable. Instead, they benefit from two excellent performances and deliver an emotional and poignant tale of mother and daughter and mental illness.

Lili Taylor stars as Dawn, mother to straight-A high school senior Melanie, played by Stefania LaVie Owen ("Messiah"). We first meet them while on a rainy day campus tour. Dawn is direct in expressing her wish that Melanie remain close to home for college, while ambitious Melanie wants to attend her late father's alma mater, USC, on a full academic scholarship. It's clear mother and daughter have a close relationship, but something is a bit off about Dawn, and we get our answer soon enough.

As the new neighbors are moving in, the truck backs into a tree that Dawn's husband planted years earlier. Dawn flips out, setting off a chain of events where she is convinced the new neighbor is spying on her, tormenting her, and endangering her. Of course, there is no proof of any of this, and the further Dawn slips, the more difficult it is for Melanie to carry the burden of school, a social life, and a paranoid-delusional mother.

Michael Cyril Creighton plays the school counselor that Melanie ropes into meeting with her mother. The scene is played to an awkward comedic effect, but also exemplifies how mental illness creates a stressful environment for everyone involved. Dawn's agitated attorney boss is played by David Rasche, and Melanie also sets up a profile for mom on an internet dating site, with less-than-hoped-for results. During all of this, Melanie begins a relationship with a rich, alcoholic classmate named Daniel (Ian Nelson), who understandably isn't equipped to deal with the situation either. Peyton List plays Melanie's bestie Lacy, and Max Casella has a couple of scenes as the Private Investigator Dawn hires to surveil the neighbor. All in all, it's a cluster of real life twisted up by mental illness.

Lili Taylor is excellent, and makes sure she keeps Dawn's actions in the believable-yet-sufferable mode. But the film really belongs to Stefanie LaVie Owen. This is a staggeringly good performance from the young actress, and she quietly conveys a strength in the face of shock and frustration, and the unfair burden she must carry. The film is a reminder that we don't get to pick our family, and the responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times. It's not a horror film, but rather one filled with personal horrors - and the film's title will make sense by the end.

Wow Was very pleasantly surprised by this film. It was a heavy subject with just the right amount of levity to be funny yet still retain the gravity of the subject. My wife's mother suffers from mental illness and if you've ever known someone who truly suffers you'll know Lili Taylor's performance is phenomenal and extremely convincingly played. Everything flowed together very well (plot and character development, beat and the killer soundtrack). The real gem here was Stefania's performance, she is a rising star and her chemistry with Lili was off the chart. In summary, a smart, touching and illuminating dramedy; definitely worth a watch.

This movie deserves recognition for it's cast, crew and wonderfully told story. There are very few films out there that have such a powerful message and the ability to touch the viewer in such a way. It is a profound and thought provoking film. It highlights the difficulties that arise when faced with the unique challenges of caring for someone with an illness (mental or otherwise).

The cast and crew did a great job in bringing such a wonderfully written script to life on the screen. I would absolutely recommend this film.