Magnetosphere

Magnetosphere is a heartwarming and refreshingly original coming-of-age film that shines with emotional depth and vibrant imagination. Set in the late '90s, it follows 13-year-old Maggie Campion (a standout performance by Shayelin Martin), who discovers she has synesthesia-a rare neurological condition that lets her experience the world in vivid, multisensory ways.

Writer-director Nicola Rose blends comedy, nostalgia, and heartfelt drama into a rich story about self-acceptance, family, and the courage to stand out. The film captures the awkward beauty of adolescence with humor and heart, while also offering a thoughtful look at neurodiversity.

The supporting cast is a joy-Colie Mochrie is charming and eccentric as the local handyman Gil, Debra McGrath brings warmth as Maggie's teacher, and Patrick McKenna delights as her quirky theater-loving father. Jordyn Gillis is memorable as Jessica, the school's resident mean girl, whose actions challenge Maggie's resilience.

Visually playful and emotionally honest, Magnetosphere is more than just a coming-of-age story-it's a love letter to embracing what makes us unique. It's a must-see for anyone who's ever felt different, and a reminder that our quirks can be our greatest strengths.

Magnetosphere is a wonderful film for all ages. It's filled with genuine laughs and has a solid dramatic storyline! It moves at a breezy pace with a nice message for anyone who might feel like they don't "fit in".

The cast really makes the most with the material provided! This is the director's second feature film and it shows growth. I am certain that she will have a lengthy career behind the camera.

I saw this film at the U. S. premiere in New York City .There was a decent crowd at the theater and as I mentioned earlier there were plenty of laughs coming from the audience. The film works ! I'd easily recommend watching it!

I got to see Magnetosphere at its New York City premiere. Magnetosphere is a delightful, relatable coming of age story with a fresh perspective on growing up, self-discovery and acceptance through an engaging sensory journey. The film gives the audience perspective into the challenges of moving into a new home, going to a new school, experiencing first love along with insight into the extraordinary world of what it is like living with synesthesia. Director Nicola Rose and her talented cast give the audience an unforgettable exploration of how embracing our differences helps us find our place in this world. This is a film that the entire family would enjoy.

Magnetosphere is a really delightful film. The characters are endearing, and the story beautifully captures the experiences of an adolescent girl with synesthesia. The use of colors and the unique way her perspective is portrayed are captivating. The film masterfully blends humor and poignancy, offering a heartwarming and uplifting message about embracing and celebrating differences. It normalizes what makes us unique and presents these traits as gifts. The story resonates with the universal challenges of adolescence while maintaining a light tone. The comedic timing was spot-on, with a mix of slapstick and wit that appeals to all ages. My little nephew loved it, and I think audiences of any age will too. The script was well-crafted, the performances were stellar, and the music added depth to the overall experience. Steven He was a pleasant surprise, delivering a performance with far more depth than I expected based on his online presence. It was also fantastic to see Colin Mochrie and other familiar faces from the comedy and improv world. Magnetosphere also handles sensitive themes with great care, making them relatable without being heavy-handed. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a funny and moving movie for all ages.

"Magnetosphere," featured during the Dances with Films Festival in NY City in December, is a delightful coming-of-age story of 13 year old Maggie as she deals with the typical adolescent ordeals of a first crush, self-doubt, self-image, ostracism in a new school, and so forth. These issues are compounded by also having to come to terms with her synesthesia and the perceptional issues that make her feel all the more different and awkward. This may seem like a heavy topic but in writer/director Nicola Rose's hands the drama is skillfully levened with welcome doses of both broad comedy and gentle humor.

The performances of Shayelin Martin as Maggie and the other young actors portraying Maggie's sister (played by Zooey Schneider) and her peers (especially, Mikayla Kong, as the girl who befriends Maggie and has her own puppy-love issues to contend with) are uniformly excellent. The adult performers-- Tania Webb as Maggie's mother, Steven He as the object of Maggie's crush, and Debra McGrath, as an understanding art teacher-- hit all the right emotive and gently comic notes. Patrick McKenna, portraying Maggie's eccentric regional theater director dad and Colin Mochrie as a wildly weird, Vietnam vet/burned-out hippie handyman deliver the farce and slapstick with appropriately scene chewing performances. Mochrie's characterization, in particular, plays like an over-the-top version of Bill Murray as Carl in "Caddyshack."

With it's deft blend of comedy and the drama of adolescent angst "Magnetosphere" is a perfect film for a target audience of tweens and young teenagers. It would be right at home as a feature on Nickelodeon or Disney Channel.