Scrap

I took a chance and decided to go see this one last night at Cinequest in downtown San Jose. Based on the trailer, I got the sense that this would be a more intelligent film than the others I'd seen in the festival so far. Boy, was I right: writer/director/star Vivian Kerr has pulled off a supremely confident feature debut which manages to contain JUST the right amount of quirky humor and emotional resonance without it ever once feeling forced, as so many other films in this genre and style tend to do. Beautifully shot on location in Los Angeles, and featuring a surprising soundtrack of 1920s and 30s-era music, Scrap manages to incorporate themes as wide-ranging as homelessness and young motherhood, all of which are handled delicately while the film itself remains a breezy character study of a young woman who is just barely getting by in life, but tries her best nevertheless.

Scrap feels like one of those quietly powerful films that trusts the audience to engage emotionally without being spoon-fed. It leans into subtlety rather than spectacle, with a minimal score and restrained cinematography that allow the performances and script to take center stage. Vivian Kerr delivers a deeply internal performance-most of her character's conflict plays out through her expressions, her silences, and what's left unsaid. It's a film built on emotional nuance rather than overt drama. Some viewers might interpret its pacing as slow, but it's more accurately described as deliberate and contemplative. The tension simmers quietly beneath the surface, creating a sense of unease and intimacy. The script is tight, with no wasted dialogue, and every scene feels purposeful. It's an understated yet impactful indie gem-honest, quietly affecting, and refreshingly devoid of melodrama. Fans of character-driven stories and restrained storytelling will likely find *Scrap* a rewarding watch.

I loved the chemistry between all the actors. You could really witness a journey happening on the short span of the movie. At the beginning everything felt really tense, because there was lots of pretending and secret keeping. But during the course of action the relationships bloomed, we had beautiful character developments, accompanied by wonderful music and a soft lighting, which made everything look even more natural. Because it truly was a story grabbed from real life. What happened to Beth (Vivian Kerr) could've happen to anyone of us if we're unlucky enough. Sometimes I wished the movie would've explained a few things a little more, instead it left a lot to the watchers interpretation. But I guess that's also intended, since everyone can make out their own ending that way.

This film was heartbreakingly beautiful. It simultaneously hurt and healed all the way up to the end. The writing, actors, cinematography, editing, and music were all excellent (the choice of music almost felt like a character of its own). These characters were written and portrayed in a way that felt very authentic. My favorite relationship explored was Beth and Stacy's. Their differences and similarities complemented each other gorgeously. You can tell there is a level of respect between the two, yet they have this complicated sister-in-law relationship. It felt extremely honest, and I found myself not taking either side; I simply rooted for them to come to some kind of understanding. All of the relationships were believable, but their's stuck out to me the most. I was also captivated by each character's vulnerabilities and strength. My first biggest takeaway from watching this film was the reminder that no matter how different our lives and personalities are, we are all connected in this human experience. My second biggest takeaway was that it's okay to rely on others to help get ourselves back on our feet... and to have the road eventually rise up to meet you.

(The ending scene was masterful. Ben's nod told more than any line could've.)

I have not emotionally recovered. I felt for all the the characters so deeply it hurt. Every aspect of this film was intimate and intentional and simply beautiful. Lana Parrilla and Anthony Rapp's chemistry was perfection. Vivian Kerr stuck the landing on all her events from the writing to acting. They knew exactly the story they were telling and how the characters belonged in their world. It was stunning. Scrap told the story of the pain and beauty of just being human. How desperately lonely and loved we are simultaneously. I can't wait for this movie to be on my shelf, in my home, waiting to be watched over and over again.