petermgordon-45976
The director uses ambient light and realistic locations to give this film a documentary feel that gives the audience a sense that this could be a true story. He elicited passionate performances from every actor. Even characters with one or no lines make you believe in the reality of their world. This is a compelling story with a memorable twist at the end.
Jane Soliman
The acting and directing of this film were exceptional. Having heard from the director that only natural lighting and fixtures were used, that makes the film all the more impressive. There were a couple of lines that seemed misplaced and it seemed to drag a bit in some places, but that's nothing one more edit couldn't amend. All in all, a touching story, heartfelt acting, great directing and cinematography. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film. I would recommend for anyone interested in film or just the human condition to watch this.
Robert Love
You can tell from the opening moments that there is an anger and passion driving the film, which is necessary on a film of this scale. Despite it being a smaller movie, the film still manages to be incredibly well shot with striking compositions. It's biggest flaw is its passion for the subject matter, and how it relentlessly moves from one moment to the next. The film, being tight at under 90 minutes, could use more breathing room to let its conflict build to drive the devastation home, but its enthusiasm for the story its telling shows that there's a strong voice at the helm. The good news? Usually films like this are a bit overwrought in its need to get a message across, but the film allows the story to speak for the subject matter rather than blatantly tell you what to think.
CharlesHSutter
John Goshorn's feature film debut as a director manages to do something that even the most established directors shoot for, it puts a human (and tragic) face on the country's recent economic downturn. In less capable hands this morality tale might be too preachy, or overwrought, but we never find ourselves scolded by the film. Maggie and Jonah want take part in the American dream. They want to own a house. And so they buy a house, but for them, like for so many others that house becomes a noose around their necks when Jonah looses his job at the newspaper. Seeing no other options Jonah makes the ultimate sacrifice to help provide for Maggie. Jennifer Faith Ward and Tom Kemnitz Jr as Maggie and Jonah respectively are incredibly engaging and breathe life into their characters in way that reminds us of early Cassavetes. In fact, that filmmaker is the one that seems to have been this production's patron saint. Goshorn seems completely willing to enclose us in the claustrophobia of realism no matter how uncomfortable or horrific it may be for Maggie and Jonah, or for us.
AD
