100% spoiler-free.
I watched the short-film Curfew (2012) first, which is on YT, and then I watched this full-length film of 2014.
I think that this is a beautiful story that shows themes such as life, death, love, pain, hopelessness, hope, loneliness, depression, emptiness, discovering a reason to live for, and second chances.
The story felt so real it must be based on real events, even though it is never claimed it is based on a true story, I believe it must be. Nobody comes up with such a ridiculously plausible plot out of imagination. The ending was good too. Overall, a meaningful story that left me thinking and wondering about life, and may leave you doing the same.
Shawn Christensen - he wrote the story, directed the film, and was one of the two protagonists. I think he wrote a fine story, and directed it well, and his acting of a 'terminally' hopeless man was believable enough and good enough to carry the story.
Fátima Ptacek - she did a great job; enjoyable to watch. Great acting. If Shawn was the darkness, then she was the light of this film.
Emmy Rossum - I thought she did a great job too, especially towards the end, that scene she absolutely nailed it.
Supporting cast - they did fine. Ron Perlman (from Hellboy) and Paul Wesley (from Vampire Diaries) were in this film; I wonder how they were afforded to be in it. Their acting was fine.
Producer Damon Russell and Cinematographer Daniel Katz, and everyone else who helped make this beautiful film - thanks.
Movie theme song - "Sophia So Far" by Goodnight Radio (2013). I am so thankful the movie released this full version of the song. It is first played during a really nice scene in the movie and also at the end of the film. This song instantly makes one think about the film.
Conclusion: I think this is a beautiful story with multiple underlying themes about things like hope, love, life, death, and second chances. Watched it 2x so far, will surely watch it again in the future. It is a good film and it is worth a watch and recommending.
9/10
