All Creatures Here Below

This movie is absolutely worth watching, and I liked it. The tale it tells is disturbing to say the least, but it's well acted, the story line is deceptive at first, but it is thought provoking. If you liked "The Virgin Suicides" you might find you like this - the story is very different, but the mood you're left with at the end is similar - it's sad, but it might leave you thankful. Sometimes sad stories should be told.

This is a powerfully acted film about a destitute couple who make poor decisions that eventually spiral out of control. But if you are in a bad mood, this film won't lift your spirits, but make you more depressed.

David Dastmalchian, crafted an enigmatic story about two adults dealing with brutal childhood traumas while living in poverty. At first, viewers who can the film's low production value maybe like ok where's the story? but the joint performance by David Dastmalchian and Karen Gillan, gives the film incredible value.

The film evokes off a strong human feeling to story's end plot twists. Dastmalchian 's acting carries the story through, as Gillan's performance as a disillusioned person. The film also functions as a road trip film; it follows their tragic story.

This feels like an Indie film from get go, and it sort of ropes you right in from the beginning; you are curious about these odd and rather sad characters and stick around to see where this is going to go. The acting is top notch, really quite incredible performances from people you don't see often (I've never seen either of the two leads). HOWEVER. If this was based on a true story, it should never be retold. If it's just fiction, the writer should seek other topics. This thing is just drenchingly sad. The story winds down and down, you know midway through that there can be NO possible good outcome. Towards the end, we can see what is happening in that hotel room and then just hope and wish that it doesn't turn out to be what you think it will; it does. From there on out to the bizarre ending, it is just purely unnecessary sadness. Why tell a story like this? Who could possibly enjoy watching such tragedy? I don't get it. Everything about acting and music and cinematography top notch, but damned if I know why anyone would dream up such depressing dreck to film for others to see. John Doe turned in a top notch performance too, albeit quite brief. Can't wait to see X again, they never let you down, unlike this movie...

It is not a pleasant movie at all but a very good character study of two people on the fringe of homelessness in Los Angeles. As the movie begins he and she each lose their jobs, for different reasons through no fault of theirs. Trying to make a go of it anyway they soon end up on a road trip in someone else's car that takes them to Kansas City.

David Dastmalchian, who also wrote the script, is Gensan. His partner is Karen Gillan as Ruby, who appears to be a bit "slow" and also naive. They clearly care for each other, she depends on him greatly, but every day seems to be a massive speed bump in the road of life.

I have only seen Gillan on TV talk shows, with her smiling face and very red hair. Here she has short black hair, hardly any makeup, and doesn't really look like herself. But it is a very appropriate look and she plays her role superbly.

This is a movie without happy endings but it probably reflects well on how some people living on the fringes of society have difficulty dealing every day. It is a well-made movie of a difficult subject.