Moon

MOON is a tour de force. Toy Lei's inventive story is both technically excellent and emotionally resonant. Kelsey Gunn's eyes alone could support an entire film. Her superb performance grounded and elevated the film. Mousa Hussein Kraish was the perfect foil, bringing warmth and light as the character and in his inhabitation of the role. The cinematography delivered by Olesia Saveleva was impeccable, from magical lighting to flawless framing. Cali Wang's score is ideally subtle, yet perfectly pitched to support each scene. And the visuals of the moonscape and view of our beautiful earth were breathtaking. It's hard to believe this level of filmmaking was created on a short film budget. But aside from the technical achievement, what makes MOON so successful is the unfolding of the emotional story. It continually twists and turns as more and more is revealed until the genuinely earned emotional catharsis at the end. I even like the font used for the end credits. Bravo writer/director Toy Lei and team MOON!

The order of shots made sense and the story could be followed, even with flashbacks. Moon shots were incredible. Felt like I was on the Moon. Landscape and background both looked real/authentic (in my untrained astronomical opinion). The actor interactions were smooth and believable. I have seen the film two times so I have the benefit of watching the details of the shots in telling the story. The script had conversations that would be expected and things that were not and made me think what would be my experience on the Moon. I've contemplate what I would have on the bench with me if I was on the Moon. (The dog was the perfect choice for the film, who can't love that dog.) Thank you to Toy and everyone who worked on the film for an enjoyable watch!