'Is heaven only for the dead? And is hell for the living and dead?' Michael Jason Allen wrote, directed and stars in this terrific reincarnation of the mid part of the last century. The story is solid, that cast well chosen, and the quality of the cinematography is gorgeous – whether in the opening black and white portion or the rich sun-drenched color of the remainder of the film.
The story is set in 1938 – 1947. Mattie (Laura Mestas) is a young abused wife of an older wealthy man, Floyd (Mario Guzman) that she was forced into marriage with by her family in 1938. Throughout the next nine years, she closely befriends Floyd's nephew, Thomas (Michael Jason Allen). Thomas is more compassionate to her situation and helps her feel more self-worth. Mattie & Thomas eventually escape together from her troubled home while Floyd (and anyone he can buy) follows closely after them with intentions of murder.
There is something very Americana about this slice of cinematic life, and that is reason enough to see it. Remembering times, both happy and not happy, are our heritage, and when they are brought forward in a film that respects the period in which the story takes place, they give us all pause for reflection. This is a strong little Indie film that deserves attention.
The story is set in 1938 – 1947. Mattie (Laura Mestas) is a young abused wife of an older wealthy man, Floyd (Mario Guzman) that she was forced into marriage with by her family in 1938. Throughout the next nine years, she closely befriends Floyd's nephew, Thomas (Michael Jason Allen). Thomas is more compassionate to her situation and helps her feel more self-worth. Mattie & Thomas eventually escape together from her troubled home while Floyd (and anyone he can buy) follows closely after them with intentions of murder.
There is something very Americana about this slice of cinematic life, and that is reason enough to see it. Remembering times, both happy and not happy, are our heritage, and when they are brought forward in a film that respects the period in which the story takes place, they give us all pause for reflection. This is a strong little Indie film that deserves attention.
