Anu

I was drawn in from the very beginning to this wonderful and heartwarming movie. This film is one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Several themes are explored throughout this film such as spirituality, loss, and cultural heritage all seen through the eyes of the young lead actress who does a phenomenal job at bringing her character to life in a very grounded and natural way. The cast is all very talented and each brought their characters to life in a wonderful way. The quality of the film is top notch for an indie film from the lighting, camera work, sound, editing, and music. Everything comes together in this emotionally character driven story in an exceptional way.

The movie is one of the best movies I saw of 2023, with a first time director who made a film that audiences haven't seen before. With a local cast and crew from the Seattle area. This movie might be the one that might shock the Academy by nominated for best picture, best actress, best directed, and best adapted screenplay (a first for an indepedent filmmaker that distributes her own movie). This movie has the best acting, best cinematography, great characters, and giving audiences the chance to see people who look like them. The success of the hit tv show Never Have I Ever, has helped paved the way for the Ava Duvernay of Indian-American feature films. This films, has earned it and The Academy might consider putting it in award season.

After her grandfather passes away, Anu is left with questions to explain her loss. Her heart is always in the right place, but it can be hard to watch a young person making mistakes along the way, even if their intentions are pure.

I liked the unique perspective this story had to show. Anu is an interesting subject from the get-go, an Indian-American teenager who is often trying to fit in with a culture half a world away. I didn't always agree with the choices she made, but I did always understand why she was making them. Don't miss this one if you're looking for a slice of life story from a different lens than usual.