Like a Bergman or Spielberg film, I can always tell a Sandy Boikian play or movie as soon as the first scene unfolds, having watched her faith-based plays and films over the past 20 years.
There is an originality and whimsical quality to Boikian's work that stands out above the mainstream Hollywood movies. Her satisfying endings always leave me full of joy and with my heart rate up like after an aerobic workout.
The faith-based drama "Fragile World," written, directed and co-produced by Boikian, is no exception. Like her previous plays and screenplays, Boikian peoples her world with quirky characters with real life problems we can all relate to, and weaves a suspenseful story with music, facial expressions and whimsical fantasy that keeps us guessing what is real and what is imaginary.
The acting was superb, the directing impeccable, the plot clever and imaginative, and the characters were very believable and sympathetic. Bravo to Boikian for tackling the difficult subjects of mental illness, death and faith in God all in one film.
It was no surprise to me to learn that the movie, although not playing in movie theaters, has garnered rave reviews and awards for best director, best actress, and best narrative feature at movie festivals.
I was surprised that the lead actress not only embodies the pain and shock that Boikian herself felt when her own father died, but she bears a striking resemblance to Boikian. The movie was even more meaningful and poignant to me because I also have been overwhelmed by the loss of my father.
As soon as the main character Rosalie (Alexa Jansson) steps into the kitchen, we sense her loneliness and depression as she attempts to engage her aging mother who is suffering from dementia and doesn't recognize her in a conversation. In interacting with a new friend at work, Rosalie transforms into a professional woman who is friendly and intelligent and with a familiar story of divorce.
Rosalie tells her new friend, Britt (Noelle Perris,) that she left her ex-husband and her house to move in with her sister whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan and her niece and mother. She says her ex is trying to convince her to come back to him. Later, Rosalie meets a man, August (Benjamin Keepers) while in line at the coffee shop and tells Britt she is having dinner with him and develops a relationship with him.
But when Britt meets the ex, Logan (Chad Bishop), it changes everything I thought and creates suspense that kept me guessing until the end. Boikian also sets up another mystery when Britt is handed an assignment to track down a mysterious musician on a CD for a music company.
"Fragile World" also tells Britt's own story of disillusionment with life and the story of a homeless mentally ill man, Fitz (Marco Aiello), whom Britt and Rosalie befriend.
Like a flower girl sprinkles rose petals down the aisle, Boikian drops clues throughout the movie as to who is real or imaginary, and the identity of the mysterious musician who made the CD but she surprised me with a twist I never saw coming, as she marries the stories of Rosalie, Britt and Fitz at the end.
"Fragile World" delivers a satisfying ending that left me feeling joyful but sad at the same time because I am going to miss the characters I grew to love, like a good friend who moves to another city. I would recommend the movie for anyone, whether a Christian or not, because it is a refreshing departure from the sex and violence of mainstream movies.
You can buy "Fragile World" on DVD at http://www.fragileworldmovie.com/
