Isabel's Garden

"Isabel's Garden" is one of those films that hits you right in the feels. Watching the characters grapple with loss and find the courage to create a new kind of family has stuck with me since I saw a screening at the LA Film Festival. Each actor brought nuance to their character's journey - it was cathartic watching them learn and grow. Jayne Taini's Grace was the perfect curmudgeon turned mother figure. Gabriela Flores, as the title character, is an incredibly emotionally attuned young actress, I can't wait to see what she does next! As Maya, Karen David knocked it out of the park and I connected so deeply with her struggles to find work-life balance, accept her new reality and commit to the family she has found. Writer/director Kit Rich has a strong point of view and effortlessly wove each character together in her fantastic feature film debut. I can't wait for this film to stream so I can share it with my nieces!

I wasn't expecting it but two tears rolled down my cheek toward the end of the movie. There were a couple of scenes that were just so real and raw that I had to write this review. It's rare to get that in cinema anymore. I really appreciate the cast in this movie and the deep dive into how relationships can help you heal and get through hard times. Somehow this film also touches upon female relationships in revealing how competition doesn't serve women. Each character meant something in this film and had a unique connection and storyline with the main characters. I found that kind of writing impressive.

I don't typically post reviews, but, after watching Isabel's Garden at the Los Angeles Film Festival, I had to make this my first. I was really blown away by the beautiful and complex story telling shown in the writing, directing, score...The director Kit Rich has already won awards for Best Direction for this film and you can see why. She pulled incredible performances from her cast, the cinematography of the film is epic, even the costume design is elevated. This is an important story for an important segment of women who are figuring out the day to day of blended family lives. A must see! Bravo to the filmmaker.

Please see this film TODAY. Tell every woman you know to watch it, especially anyone who has ever been a part of a blended family, divorce with children. It's a hopeful family drama that is so sincere, raw at times, real and wise. There were moments in the film where I had to pause and just process. "I never told you it's okay to love her" wrecked me. All of the performances were beautiful including the male character, Manuel Lozano. The women are telling this story, living it. I also love that there are 3 generations represented here, the audience gets valuable insight into each woman and her journey. It's really beautiful how everyone evolves. The editing truly was a part of the storytelling here. Loved it. "The best gift I was given...was you". This film is a gift and a reminder why independent films are so essential.

What can I say about this movie? I'm not a person who cares for tears. Here, however, it's a wallop of emotion. Family. Love. Forgiveness. Reflection. Loss. I can go and on. I cheered for the protagonists. Then I cried and cried because I found myself caring for each of their journies. The director does a beautiful job of telling this story and bringing it along. I am glad I waited for parts of this story to develop. I won't go into who deals with loss and who ended up having to reflect. That's for the viewer to find out. The ending was worth it. This first time director knew her story and how to tell it.