I Think I'm Sick

First act was very slow, second act gets you hooked and the third act sells it. Somewhere around the middle I was worried it wasn't what I thought it was but wow... Exceeded my original expectations:) Connor Russell (Will) and Wes Brooks (Spanky) were great, but the daughter-father dynamic of Tia Tardy (Robin) and Paul Arthaud (Ed Young) were unbelievable. Tia Tardy definitely sold this movie for me, fantastically natural of an actress. Felt the really strong influence of Manchester by the Sea, with some scenes being eerily similar, but overall great first feature, really found the rhythm halfway.

Director Danny Gervirtz and his team of incredibly talented actors and crew, told a story that we can all relate to one way or another, even at its darkest moments. The film dives deep into mental health and allows us as the viewer to feel ways that normally we may push aside, but through humor it sheds a bit of hope that everything is okay. The cinematography is outstanding. You can tell they took time and effort into building compositions that helped push the story along and helped convey desired emotions. Sound design and music were moving but not overbearing. The pacing is excellent. I truly was sucked in to this movie. At no point did I feel like they wasted time. PERFECTION. Excellent film.

This film proves to anyone who doubts it just how much subtlety a well-written, carefully-crafted, beautifully performed film can carry.

Danny Gevirtz trusts that we can reach the right conclusions without needing to have everything spelled out for us or hitting us over the head with the Message Hammer. When dealing with subjects like these (and the trigger warnings are VERY important), that's even more vital than in other films. The subtlety and artistry with which this movie is made is remarkable.

As an indie film (and one without major distribution at the time of writing) there's a near-zero chance it'll enter the race for Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes etc. But that's too bad for the awards voters: they're missing something very, very special.

This should be on every film school curriculum and in every filmmakers' library as proof positive you don't need to treat your audience like idiots to get your point across.

Just a great film. This is why film festivals are important, as it was very likely that I would never watch this otherwise.

It touches on themes (not just suicide!) that are very, very sensitive and does so by always incorporating a very difficult to work with dark humor. It is quite effective in this task, knowing how to blend humor and the dramatic aspect almost always accurately, although it is stronger when it tries to be lighter.

The performances are strong, and everything feels quite genuine, very personal, and stories that we all experienced, saw, or heard among our friends. Excellent soundtrack and always surprising moments that leave us unsure of where the film might go, also because there are certain aspects left open.

There is one aspect that I didn't particularly love. The editing is mostly good, but it's noticeable that the editor is the one who directed and wrote it because there are one or two scenes that could very well be removed, but you can see the care of the person who thought them through. I have particular issues with the final three scenes as all could be strong individually, but all three seem a bit disconnected from each other.

Anyway, this is a fascinating film that made me laugh, cry, and admire some of its mastery, including technical aspects like the cinematography.

I don't really write reviews, but this film is worth me going out of the way to do so.

First off- the storytelling, cinematography, audio design, and acting were all top-notch. I was completely immersed in the world within the first few minutes.

This film does what the best films do; it makes you ask yourself questions and think critically about your own life. I found myself thinking back to my own past, and good friends I've lost along the way to s****de.

This movie made me thankful to be alive, and to have the life I do.

It hits so very hard. The final 20 minutes of this film are paced so beautifully and hauntingly.

A film I will be thinking about for years to come. Inspiring for other indie filmmakers and proof that it CAN be done to a very high caliber.

Bravo to all.