User reviews

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.

I really enjoyed watching Scrap. This movie is just full of heart and authenticity. The characters felt so reel and lived in. Script and direction were really excellent and had me engaged from the start to the end. I loved how Ben and Beth really had a connection that felt real. They have their flaws, but accept each other and support as best they can. There were painful moments when Beth would continue to make bad decisions.. but that added to the realism of the characters.. as we all do that in our real lives. The journey that all the characters felt genuine and I wanted to know what was next for them in their lives. I really enjoyed the music and the beautiful cinematography. Just well done on all levels and a joy of a film. Highly recommended.

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.

Hard to believe this is the debut feature for writer, director, and actor Vivian Kerr and her producing partner, Rachel Stander. A beautifully told story of personal struggles and confronting the painful curveballs that life can throw at us. The portrait of Beth initially avoiding, but ultimately acknowledging the reality of her situation and accepting the help of those closest to her to overcome her setbacks was extremely realistic and relatable. The entire cast was fantastic. And the music - just wow! What an unexpected treat and such a critical underlying element to the family's story. All the elements of a great film delivered as close to perfection as one could hope for. Just like Beth's preparations for her new home with Birdy.

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.)

This film beautifully and skillfully intertwines its main story & the hardship that Beth (Vivian Kerr) faces, with the stories & hardships of her Brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) and his wife Stacy (Lana Parrilla). The connection between the actors made the characters and their stories so much more beautiful.

Scrap captures some beautiful places of L. A, along with some hard hitting places that go hand in hand with the seriousness of the story.

I loved how well the music is paired up with their scenes, and how the pieces of each music tells a story within themselves during those scenes too.

The film is a credit to all of its cast and crew.

I am grateful that I have been able to watch this wonderful piece of art. And would definitely recommend other people to watch it too.

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.

Loved how authentic this film was. Every actor portrayed the raw emotion of each character. I enjoyed watching the brother-and-sister dynamic between Beth and Ben. It was interesting to watch the relationship between Ben and Stacey. The uptight lawyer who fell in love with the nerdy author. You can tell she loves Ben but his sister has put an emotional burden on their relationship. Plus Stacey is going through IVF treatments. In the end, they are all family and find a way to cope with the struggles that life has put each of them through. I enjoyed every minute of the film. This movie is a must-watch!

This film has a beautiful storyline that is enhanced with complex characters that are each going through something. This movie treats very serious subjects with the utmost delicacy. It was truly amazing to watch. The characters' développement throughout the movie allows their relationships to bloom and improve as the story continues. They learn to understand each other more but also learn things about themselves. The viewer is also presented with a few emotional scenes that really make our hearts want to reach through the screen to comfort the characters. The ending is very pleasing as in the last few scenes everything seems to come together in the perfect way.

I truly loved this film and I really recommend it!

How good is Scrap? A movie that is not special effects, blowing up buildings or mass carnage in the street. The story is simple but complex at the same time as the characters develop and grow on screen. The movie is also simply shot but again complex in its design that shows more than just the characters on screen but also incorporates locations and surroundings to add to the warmth. Vivian Kerr is a true star, writing, directing and starring along with a great cast including. Anthony Rapp who you may know from Star Trek Discovery and Lana Parrilla from recently the Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. I was able to watch this movie at one of the festivals that it won Best Movie at. Truly a great watch with a cozy fire, family this holiday season. You will smile, laugh and probably cry....

I haven't spoken to my sibling in years, and watching *Scrap* felt like getting punched in the gut-equal parts guilt and love. The portrayal of Beth and Ben's relationship was so real it made me squirm. Their conversations, filled with awkward pauses, tension, and unspoken pain, mirrored the complicated history I have with my own sibling. It was like I was intruding on something deeply personal, something that wasn't meant to be seen by others. There weren't dramatic reconciliations or emotional speeches-just the small, quiet struggle to reconnect. And that's what made it powerful. It reminded me that sometimes showing up, even when it's hard, is the bravest thing you can do. Watching them try, fail, and still sit in the discomfort felt like a message meant for me. It left me wondering if it's time to try too, even if I don't know what I'd say.

It's almost unbelievable that Scrap marks the feature directorial debut of Vivian Kerr. A film so intimate, raw, and emotionally precise is usually the work of a seasoned filmmaker, yet Kerr-who also writes and stars in the film-delivers a story with the kind of wisdom that feels lived-in.

At its core, Scrap follows Beth (Kerr), a woman struggling to keep herself afloat while hiding the true extent of her difficulties from those closest to her. The film's strength lies in its quiet, unflinching honesty-Beth's avoidance, her reluctant acceptance of help, and her journey toward reclaiming stability are deeply realistic. This is not a story of easy solutions but of human perseverance, and it resonates because of how truthfully it unfolds.

One of those you could watch over and over. The everyday person that is relatable and not overly dramatic. It was very well put together and came together in its storytelling. I would recommend to all as a movie to watch. The cast is well put together. With lighthearted jokes and the obstacles a single mom faces is something that people can have emotional connection too. I can't wait for the next thing from Vivian as she is a well rounded actress and more. I will share this with family and friends and hopefully they too will share this as well. The length of the movie was perfect too. Kudos and many more awards are needed!

"Scrap" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the consequences of our choices. The film's strength lies in its ability to delve into complex themes of redemption and guilt. Strong performances by the cast, and a well-crafted movie for those who appreciate layered, introspective storytelling. The film captures stunning locations in Los Angeles, which complement the storytelling. The writing, acting, cinematography, editing, and music are all exceptional. It is indeed one of the finest pieces of work done by Vivian Kerr.

This well-crafted movie is a treat to watch I would highly recommend this movie to all cinema lovers.

The film delivers a truly captivating storyline, expertly crafted to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. There are no dull moments, each scene flows seamlessly into the next, creating a narrative rhythm that feels both natural and compelling. It's an absolute must-see, and the cast deserves immense praise for their remarkable performances.

What makes the story particularly resonant is its relatability. The struggles of a mother navigating life after a layoff, paired with Stacy's heartfelt journey through IVF, strike an emotional chord that many will find deeply moving. The two arcs intertwine beautifully, with neither overshadowing the other, resulting in a balanced and meaningful exploration of resilience and hope.

Without revealing too much, it's safe to say that this film is a triumph. Bravo to the entire team for delivering such a thoughtful and inspiring piece of cinema!

"Scrap" is a beautifully crafted indie drama that shines with intelligence, warmth, and emotional depth. Vivian Kerr, who writes, directs, and stars, delivers a film that feels both timely and deeply personal, exploring life's struggles with a mix of humor and honesty.

Premiering at the prestigious Deauville Film Festival and enjoying a strong festival run, the film stands out for its sharp writing and nuanced performances. The characters feel real and relatable, navigating personal and financial challenges with quiet resilience. The dynamic between the leads is particularly compelling, filled with unspoken emotions and genuine human connection.

Visually, "Scrap" is stunning, using its Los Angeles setting to great effect. The cinematography captures both the beauty and isolation of the city, mirroring the film's themes of uncertainty and perseverance. The script is unexpectedly moving, balancing lighthearted moments with an authentic exploration of everyday struggles.

This is the kind of independent film that deserves to be seen and celebrated. With its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and a refreshingly honest take on modern life, "Scrap" is a quiet yet powerful gem well worth your time.

Scrap, written, directed and star by Vivian Kerr is a drama who speaks about homelessness and infertility issues with great sensitivity. It's a great family story as well.

The film tells the story of Beth (Vivian Kerr) who is homelessness after losing her job, her pride to keep it a secret from her brother and sister-in-law and the guilt for the burden she's placed on her family.

Anthony Rapp, as Ben, Beth's brother and Stacy, his wife, star by Lana Parrilla, are brillant.

We really enjoyed this film and the fantastic performances of its actors. We hope it see it very soon in theaters or on our TV screens.

Such a solid debut feature from Vivian Kerr, bursting onto the indie scene here as a quadruple threat (writing, directing, acting, and producing!)

From the opening with Billie Holiday's voice singing against the Beverly Hills dreamscape with beautiful cinematography reminiscent of La La Land to the final frame with its tender, slow zoom-in on Anthony Rapp's multi-layered performance as older brother Ben, SCRAP is everything you'd want in an indie -- assured, connected, and totally uncynical.

The entire cast is excellent and the writing is patient, funny, and at times painful, as we follow Beth's journey from family "f-up" living in her car to swallowing her pride and finally asking for help. Her sister-in-law Stacy and brother Ben's tough journey through IVF is a nuanced B storyline, featuring the best work Anthony Rapp has done in years and a wholly unexpected performance from Lana Parrilla that broke my heart and who usually plays much tougher characters like the Queen on Once Upon a Time. There's a quietness here to how Kerr unfurls her plot. Nothing is rushed, and it truly feels like real life.

It was also wonderful to see Khleo Thomas from Holes cameo as Beth's love interest at the roller skating rink, and he and Kerr share a sweet chemistry. I was completely invested in the film from start to end. Watch it!

I didn't watch *Scrap* to feel good-I watched it to feel seen. The truth is, sometimes the hardest part of struggling isn't sleeping in your car or skipping meals. It's pretending like everything is fine when it's not. It's showing up to work with makeup on, a clean shirt, and a practiced smile, while inside, you're barely holding it together. That's what this film captures so well-Beth's quiet unraveling beneath the surface. *Scrap* isn't about pity; it's about honesty. It confronts the reality so many people live but rarely talk about. We've all mastered the art of saying "I'm fine" when we're anything but. This film gives a voice to those silent battles, making you feel less alone in your own. We don't need more feel-good stories-we need more truth. And *Scrap* delivers exactly that.

Scrap is one of those quiet little gems you don't see coming - honest, a little rough around the edges, and completely heartfelt. It's not loud or flashy, but that's exactly what makes it so special. It feels raw and real, like peeking into someone's actual life instead of watching a movie. The characters are flawed in ways that make them feel deeply human, and the emotions hit hard without ever feeling forced. It's about struggle, resilience, and the tiny, messy moments that shape us. If you're into stories that linger in your heart long after the credits roll, Scrap is absolutely worth finding.

This film deserves more attention! Beautiful cinematography, great writing, and a talented ensemble cast of Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, and Lana Parrilla elevates Scrap from just another "indie movie." I honestly did not expect to be so hooked to the storyline as most Indie films underperform and prove to be underproduced. This film, however, is the compete opposite. The drama and storytelling is some of the best I have seen from any Indie Film. I must say, Kerr's attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. Fair warning, with this kind of production, Kerr will shock us in future. This is a must watch!!!

This is a film where it feels familiar at first, but I was impressed with how the plot unfolded and how much sweetness and humor there was between these two wildly uncommunicative siblings. With an unflinching commitment to exploring the unlikeable aspects of hot mess protagonist Beth (Vivian Kerr) and uptight control-freak Ben (Anthony Rapp), Scrap is a poignant drama about siblings that is patient and funny, and allows its characters the space to screw up, learn, and (slowly) grow over the course of its 105 minutes. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Lana Parrilla as put-upon wife Stacy, who has her own subplot about IVF that was also well done.

This movie doesn't scream for attention - it whispers straight to your heart, and somehow that whisper feels louder than a shout. Scrap doesn't need big moments or dramatic twists to pull you in; it works its magic quietly, patiently, with the kind of honesty that sneaks up on you. It's in the little glances, the broken conversations, the silences that say everything words can't. It's so rare to find a film that trusts its audience to feel instead of forcing emotions on them, but Scrap does exactly that. It lets you breathe with it, hurt with it, hope with it. By the end, you're not just watching the story - you're carrying it with you. It's a reminder that some of the most powerful stories aren't loud at all; they're the ones that speak softly and stay with you forever.

Scrap is a rare movie that doesn't push you toward any one emotion in an over-the-top way. Beth is a difficult character, and you're not meant to love her or hate her. She falls in between, and that's the best part of the film. I loved Anthony Rapp in it. His older brother Ben is so beautifully portrayed. Lana Parrilla is incredible as Stacey, going through IVF with so much simmering beneath the surface. Vivian Kerr is very good as both Beth and the writer/director. It's a special piece. The ending lands in a way that is honest and surprisingly emotional.