As You Are

I loved this movie. The acting was great, as was the cinematography. Best coming of age story I've seen in a long, long time. I can't believe this was the director's first film! More details below. It was great seeing Mary Stuart Masterson on the big screen again. She does a wonderful job as a vulnerable, yet still sexy, single mom. Scott Cohen is very believable as the tough, bullying military-type dad. And the actors who play the 3 teenage friend are all fantastic! I remember Amanda Stenberg from "Hunger Games", and she is wonderful as the smart, yet isolated, adopted daughter of a white family. Owen Campbell deserves an Oscar for his fantastic performance as Mary Stuart Masterson's lonely but loving son. And watch out for British actor Charlie Heaton, whose strong acting and brooding good looks are reminiscent of a young James Dean or Marlon Brando. Last but not least, I can't wait to see future films directed by the young prodigy Miles Joris-Peyrafitte. Oh, and he was the screenwriter too, along with his friend and co-author Madison Harrison. In summary, a great film, well-directed, well-produced and well-acted.

There is quite a good film here, from excellent cinematography to a brilliantly lo-key cast. The screenwriter and director should be commended for creating a film which is both a convincing coming-of-age drama (set around 1994), and a rumination on reality and truth. Whether it was influenced directly by Kurosawa's Rashomon is unclear, but the similarities are too striking to not be commented on. Formally, As You Are can be seen as a formal imitation of Rashomon, as it is structured upon a murder investigation, chapterized by the interrogations of the law official, and different flashbacks developing the story, but without ever coming to straight out answers to the mystery. A director could do worse than imitate and develop structures and themes first put on film by the great Japanese master. And this fine film results in a brilliant homage, rather than a plagiarized pastiche.

LJ'S QUICK MOVIE REVIEW

"As You Are" is a touching movie that explores the themes of belonging, friendship, love, anger, and envy in a heartwarming way. As the three main characters advance through their lives and face various challenges in their community, they face moments of self-doubt, self-discovery, and emotional conflict.

The three characters, two boys and one girl, form a close-knit trio. However, love, relationships, and family threaten to disarrange their lives forever. The simple, but well-written script, and great performances turn this basic premise into an emotional tale of three people trying to find their way in life together.

Overall, I truly enjoyed watching this movie. Although it can be melodramatic at times, its simple message resonates throughout the great acting, directing, and score. The movie's well-developed characters, unique plot, and emotional undertones makes it an engaging piece.

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A delicate, careful, deep, well made drama movie which deal with the complexities of issues such as youth, sexuality, violence, prejudice, friendship, love, sadness, anger, self knowledge.

Miles Joris-Peyrafitte does a spectacular job in conveying the complex emotions of his teenage characters. The film does its best to relate to viewers while also making them largely uncomfortable; in the best way possible for the story. While it does follow in the traditional route most LGBT coming-of-age movies in their ways of sadness and struggle with self-acceptance, it does so rather tastefully.

However, it does seem that I am one of the few folks who enjoy the way the movie has split up its time-line. Similar to Dunkirk, the director makes a bold choice in shifting between the present interviews and past memories. This makes what viewers tend to believe as the climax or "end of the story" a prevalent force throughout. While I do agree that the foreshadowing could have been done with just a tad more mystery, I do not believe that doing so was what the cast intended with the story. Therefore, I feel there should be a respect for the decision to leave the ending so raw and out in the open.

As it begins, As You Are opens wounds and has you hoping for even more heart-warming moments but leaves you glad it is done exactly the way it is. It truly opens discussions on many topics and while not necessarily happy, the film touches its audience with its profound messages. This film is definitely worth the watch.