Written by Mike

Written By Mike is a beautiful story of love, passion and the desire to make right choices. Director Ryan Cudahy reflects the struggles of young romance, the challenges of life starting out and the bonds of family. It's wonderfully written, acted and directed. And, serves as a great date night film. Set in Virginia, the setting is beautiful and has some really great scenes in historic Fredericksburg. There are some really clever twists in the plot line that leads the viewer through a range of emotions. But, the film resolves with some really profound take aways about love, commitment and devotion.

Staged in Hometown, USA (Fredericksburg, VA), the audience is treated to the lived experience of two couples trying to find their way as individuals and in partnership. Life is full of lumps and sometimes you have the right team and sometimes you have to adjust. A cast of newcomers brings performances that provide optimism beyond the silver screen and leave you wondering what these actors will do next! A watching experience full of emotion and substance that leaves an audience in need of another watch to absorb the details initially lost. An ending suitable of its journey and a twist unexpected.

Totally surprised me! The story felt really authentic and the characters were super relatable -- like people you actually know, not just the usual movie stereotypes. That made it way easier to get invested in what was going on. And the twist? Wow, it wasn't one of those lame, cheap twists thrown in just for shock value. It actually made sense and hit hard emotionally. I was still thinking about it long after the credits rolled. Pacing was pretty solid too --didn't feel rushed or like it dragged at all. The whole vibe felt real, like something that could happen in everyday life, which is kinda rare these days. Not everything's perfect, sure, but it's one of those movies that sticks with you and makes you wanna talk about it. Definitely recommend it if you're into movies that surprise you but still keep it believable. Would totally watch again or tell my friends about it.

For all of its growing pains, Ryan Cuhady's feature-length directorial debut resonates across time.

As a Fredneck, I thought the setting was well utilized in both of the primary plot arcs (just how well utilized only becomes apparent with a second viewing).

There are a handful of standout performances, most notably Maggie Gough in the co-leading role of Lynn. The film's portrayal of mental illness is at times both poignant and a bit unwieldy, which, in retrospect, is maybe the point.

But what resonates most is Cudahy's eye: this is no first novel from either cinematography or editing standpoints.

Written By Mike is such a sweet love story with a great twist! Set in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, the main characters maneuver through the city's most memorable public spaces. This film sheds light on trauma, mental illness, love through time, faith and relationships. The independent music is also great, transitioning between two seemingly unrelated timelines.

Optimism, vulnerability and trust are central themes to film as well with characters dealing with family issues that have been brooding for years. In many ways, Written By Mike is a snapshot of what it feels like to be in your twenties- old enough to feel both the pain and power of love and hope.