West Michigan

The Warmoth siblings rock, and the heart and soul that went into this movie is evident, not to mention the touching story and beautiful cinematography! Definitely worth supporting, and I cannot wait to see what they do (together or separately) in the future!

West Michigan takes takes you on scenic ride with siblings "Hannah" and "Charlie". Through the beautiful and iconic locations around western Michigan. While "Hannah" attempts to find herself before she loses herself, Charlie attempts to connect with his sister and get a glimpse behind the walls she builds to keep him out. Hannah's character is complex. She desires to be seen yet she is guarded. After she courageously exposes her vulnerability there is a shame that follows. There's a struggle between how she sees herself and how she wants to be seen. As strongly as you can feel Hannah hold her anguish, you can feel her release her insecurities and fly. She gets lost and discovers herself. This story leaves you begging the characters to see that real courage is in the vulnerability we so often fail to show and understand. Riley Warmoth's performance as "Charlie" is phenomenal. The story leaves you wanting more, thinking deeper and emotional. A true passion project that will no doubt be a spring board for future masterpieces ahead.

OK, so the narrative story line on this one is a little ragged - one is never quite sure exactly what is and what isn't going on or what direction it's really supposed to be going in - but several of the key performances are quite good and Chloe Ray Warmoth in particular has a sort of American Emily Blunt quality that could develop into an interesting acting talent.

Additionally, the scenery and camera work is very pleasant and even the musical scoring works well.

So, for a young cast - and perhaps crew - it's very watchable.

From the authentic beats of a brother and sister trying to understand each other to a teenager's private battle with depression to broader themes related to growing up and exploring deep beliefs, "West Michigan" takes the viewer on a memorable personal, relational, and literal journey. The performances from Chloe Warmoth and Riley Warmoth hit all the right notes, and the soaring shots displaying the beauty of the Michigan landscape and the affecting score create the perfect framework to tell this important story. An ambitious and effective debut for first-time director Riley Warmoth; I can't wait to see what's next.

Excellent movie with a very talented and amazing cast and crew. The dynamic sibling relationship between Hannah ( Chloe Warmoth) and Charlie (Riley Warmoth) mirrors many real life situations as both are on their journey toward adulthood. In the waterfall scene Charlie points out that the "water going over the falls looks dirty but the copper in the soil only make it appear that way." Decisions when growing up are not always clean and neat but many times messy. Hannah called out Charlie saying "I want you to care". She was expressing her depressed feelings toward others. The fabulous Cinematography and Music incorporated by the films writer Riley Warmoth made the screen come alive.