West Michigan

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.

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.

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.

I was told (in a couple of different ways by a couple of different people) to remember that this was a low budget, indie film but honestly . . . I liked it as much as I've liked some major motion pictures.

Chole Ray Warmouth is nothing short of incandescent and the cinematography is absolutely, stunningly, perfectly executed.

I enjoyed the storyline very much and thought the script was very well done, though I worry the title of the film might not draw people into the (important) subject matter as much as it possibly could.

But that's a very small consideration and overall this was a simply beautifully done project.

True feeling of love, anxiety, depression, desperation, hurt, joy and triumph were felt viewing this film. Hannah struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts while her brother Charle struggles to connects, relate and communicate with Hannah. Charlie could sense Hannah was not okay, however, he didn't push Hannah to open up. I found Hannah's and Charlie's characters very relatable. When a person is depressed or suicidal they rarely speak openly about this to anyone, especially their loved ones. This is a burden they carry alone. We as the viewers do not get to know exactly why Hannah has these feelings. I find this true to life. It is impossible to know what another person is going through that may be affecting their mental health. A viewer going through rough times can see their struggles in Hannah's struggles. Leaving this part of the story line open for interpretation created an opportunity for the viewer to fill the blank; making the story even more relatable.