Juniper

This was a very personal and effective film. As a 50 year old cis white dude, I was not expecting to be as moved as I was when I started watching it. Everyone involved knocked it out of the park. The story is simple but managed to capture the reality of this type of situation without overly dramatic and unnecessary filler. Trained on popular media I was waiting for an overdone overwritten confrontation or emotional explosion, but much like real life we don't always have the right words and we hold back and internalize. The Actors are all amazing, but the writing and directing especially need to be called out as the subtle and understated nature of this story defies the expected and shows such restraint and control. Every character had a clearly defined emotional core and purpose that defied stereotypical portrayal. I had an instant impression of each character and there was so much more there, and the film didn't beat the viewer over the head with an exposition stick. Good job everyone, and keeping my eye out for all involved. The kids are alright.