The Moon & Back

One year after her father's death, high school senior Lydia Gilbert feels completely lost...until she discovers something unexpected: a space opera screenplay needing a blockbuster-sized budget - written by her dad.

This is a lovely idea about managing grief, maturing, recognising the value of others, and finding your own inner strength. The story is great, and it has a great deal of life affirmation in it.

It's very sadly let down by the acting which at times is bizarre, and more like 3rd grader than high school senior. The scene where Simon and Lydia sing in the street is...quite literally...overwhelmingly awful. I had to fast forward before I burst.

There's little real chemistry between them either so none of their scenes truly worked, it was like 2 people who just know each other trying to be best mates.

I'd love to see this done with competent actors and a new director, as the story itself has immense potential.